Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4841
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-19: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-28T09:05:19Z
AI-Generated Summary
## Purpose This legislation requires the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Department of Defense (DoD) to examine stomach cancer incidence, risk factors, prevention, screening, and awareness. It aims to improve early detection, outreach to high-risk groups, and public health planning through new reports and recommendations.
## Key Provisions
- NCI Review (Section 3): The NCI Director must review current U.S. stomach cancer rates, risk factors (including Helicobacter pylori infection), screening availability and effectiveness, awareness levels among the public and providers, and federal education efforts. The review covers high-risk populations, endoscopic options, and surveillance for conditions like gastric intestinal metaplasia.
- Report Requirements: Within 18 months of enactment, the NCI must submit a report to Congress with recommendations on defining high-risk groups, identifying at-risk individuals, setting screening guidelines, and improving research, prevention, and treatment.
- DoD Study (Section 4): The Secretary of Defense, working with the NCI and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, must study stomach cancer among active-duty and former service members. This includes incidence rates, service-related risks (such as burn pits or hazardous exposures), racial/ethnic/gender disparities, and access to screening and care in military and VA health systems.
- DoD Report Requirements: Within 18 months, the DoD must report findings to Congress, including policy recommendations and strategies to integrate awareness and screening into military and VA systems.
- Coordination: The DoD study must align with national cancer registries for comprehensive data.
## Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill introduces new mandatory reviews and studies not previously required by statute. It directs federal agencies to collect and analyze specific data on stomach cancer and produce reports with actionable recommendations, expanding federal focus on this cancer type.
## Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Requires time and resources from the NCI, DoD, and VA for data review, coordination, and reporting; may influence future funding or program priorities.
- Citizens: Could lead to better screening guidelines and education for high-risk groups, potentially improving early detection and outcomes.
- Military and Veterans: May enhance prevention and care protocols within military and VA systems, addressing unique risk factors.
- International Relations: No direct effects identified.
## Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal agencies (NCI, DoD, VA, CDC).
- Healthcare providers and researchers.
- High-risk populations (based on race, ethnicity, family history, or other factors).
- Military personnel and veterans.
- Congress (as recipient of reports).
## Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill raises no apparent constitutional concerns, as it falls within Congress's authority to direct federal agencies on public health matters. It emphasizes data-driven approaches without creating new regulatory powers or mandates on private entities.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2], Rep. Smucker, Lloyd [R-PA-11], Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-19: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 2025-08-01: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, and Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-08-01: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, and Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-08-01: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, and Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-08-01: Introduced in House
- 2025-08-01: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act — issued 2025-08-01 — PDF (7 pages)