Endometrial Cancer Research and Education Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 5239

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

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

Last Updated

2025-11-01T08:05:24Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Endometrial Cancer Research and Education Act of 2025 aims to increase research efforts and public awareness about endometrial cancer, a common uterine cancer that affects the lining of the uterus. It specifically addresses rising incidence rates, risk factors, and health disparities, particularly among African-American women, to improve diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.

Key Provisions

• National Institutes of Health (NIH) Responsibilities:
• Expand, intensify, and coordinate research programs on endometrial cancer.
• Communicate disparities in diagnosis (e.g., higher mortality rates for African-American women compared to non-Hispanic White women) to medical professionals and researchers, including through a new public education program.
• Ensure African-American women are appropriately represented in NIH-supported clinical trials based on their incidence rates.
• Coordinate with other NIH entities, such as the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, and the Office of Research on Women's Health.
• Authorizes $1,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2028.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Responsibilities:
• Develop and distribute public informational materials on endometrial cancer, covering incidence rates, risk factors (e.g., polycystic ovary syndrome and uterine fibroids), increased risks for ethnic minority women, and available treatments.
• Include targeted materials for African-American women.
• Allow dissemination through nonprofits, universities, government agencies, or media.
• Consult with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) during development.
• Authorizes necessary funding for fiscal years 2026 through 2028.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Amends the Public Health Service Act by adding two new sections: Section 409K (under NIH provisions) to mandate expanded research and trial inclusion focused on disparities, and Section 399V-8 (under CDC provisions) to establish a dedicated public education program.
• These additions build on existing health research and education frameworks but introduce specific mandates for endometrial cancer, including explicit requirements for addressing racial and ethnic disparities, which were not previously detailed in the Act for this cancer type.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: NIH and CDC will see increased responsibilities and funding to conduct research, coordinate efforts, and create educational resources, potentially straining resources if appropriations are not fully met but enhancing focus on women's health.
• On Citizens: Improved access to information and research could lead to earlier detection, better treatment options, and reduced disparities for women at risk, especially postmenopausal women and ethnic minorities like African-American, Hispanic, and Asian women. This may improve overall quality of life and health outcomes by addressing socioeconomic barriers to care.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the bill focuses on domestic U.S. health programs; however, research findings could indirectly influence global health studies on cancer disparities.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Women at Risk: Primarily postmenopausal women (ages 55-64), those with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome or uterine fibroids, and ethnic minorities (especially African-American women facing higher aggressive cancer rates and mortality).
• Medical Professionals and Researchers: Benefit from enhanced communication, research funding, and trial participation guidelines.
• Health Agencies: NIH, CDC, HRSA, and related institutes will implement and fund new programs.
• Nonprofits and Community Organizations: Can partner in disseminating educational materials to underserved populations.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens federal oversight of health research by mandating inclusion in clinical trials (aligning with existing laws like the National Institutes of Health Revitalization Act, which promotes diverse participation) without imposing new regulatory burdens on private entities.
• Constitutional: Supports equal protection principles by targeting health disparities, potentially advancing equity under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, though it does not create enforceable individual rights.
• Political: Highlights bipartisan attention to women's health and racial inequities in cancer care, introduced by a diverse group of representatives; could influence future funding priorities for minority health initiatives amid ongoing debates on healthcare access and disparities.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Scott, David [D-GA-13]

Cosponsors (9)

Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11], Rep. Johnson, Mike [R-LA-4], Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13]

Recent Actions

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

Bill Versions

• Endometrial Cancer Research and Education Act of 2025 — issued 2025-09-09 — PDF (6 pages)