Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Act

Bill Number

H.R. 5162

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-09-04: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2026-06-26T08:07:25Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This legislation authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to award competitive grants to states. The goal is to boost public awareness, education, and early detection efforts for colorectal cancer specifically among young individuals under age 45.

Key Provisions

• Findings: The bill highlights that colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., with rising rates among younger people. It notes that about 1 in 5 cases now occur in those age 54 or younger, and projections show cases in ages 20-39 increasing by 90 percent by 2030.
• Grant Program: States may apply for 5-year grants (renewable at the Secretary's discretion) to fund activities such as:
• Outreach and education focused on high-risk young individuals (e.g., those with family history, inflammatory bowel disease, inherited syndromes like Lynch syndrome, or symptoms like rectal bleeding).
• Targeted efforts in underserved, rural, or specific demographic groups (e.g., American Indian, Alaska Native, African American individuals, or those with type 2 diabetes).
• Partnerships with hospitals, clinics, Tribal organizations, nonprofits, and others.
• Support for diagnostic testing, referrals, genetic counseling, public campaigns, health professional training, surveillance, patient navigation, and program evaluation.
• Application Requirements: States must submit detailed plans showing how funds will address risk factors, early detection before age 45 for high-risk groups, and standard screening starting at age 45 for others.
• Use of Funds and Reporting: Grants support specific activities like clinician tools and quality monitoring. Unspent funds must be returned after 6 months, and states must submit a usage report after 5 years.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new federal grant program administered by the CDC. It does not amend or repeal any existing statutes but establishes dedicated funding and requirements for state-level colorectal cancer initiatives aimed at younger populations.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The CDC would gain authority to manage and oversee a new competitive grant process, including application reviews and evaluations. States would receive funding but face reporting and compliance obligations.
• Citizens: Young individuals under 45, particularly those at higher risk, could gain improved access to education, screening, and navigation services. Underserved and rural populations may see targeted outreach.
• International Relations: No direct impacts identified.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• State governments and health departments applying for and administering grants.
• Young individuals (under age 45) and their families, especially those with risk factors like family history or genetic conditions.
• Healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, and allied health professionals.
• Nonprofit organizations, Tribal groups, and institutions of higher education partnering on outreach.
• Populations in underserved or rural areas, and specific demographic groups mentioned in the bill.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

The bill raises no apparent constitutional concerns, as it falls under Congress's spending and public health powers. It emphasizes evidence-based approaches using nationally recognized guidelines and focuses on prevention without mandating individual actions.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Burchett, Tim [R-TN-2], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2]

Recent Actions

• 2025-09-04: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-09-04: Introduced in House
• 2025-09-04: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Act — issued 2025-09-04 — PDF (8 pages)