Top Summary
This bill highlights the growing prevalence and severity of esophageal cancer in the United States, noting its rapid increase, high mortality rate, and low survival rates due to late detection. It emphasizes the importance of early detection, awareness, and preventive measures, such as screening for Barrett’s esophagus, which can be treated effectively if identified early. The bill also recognizes advancements in treatment and the critical role of early diagnosis in improving survival rates, citing specific risk factors for which the American Gastroenterological Association recommends screening.
Original Bill Text:
SEC. 2.Findings.
Congress finds that—
(1) esophageal cancer is the fastest increasing cancer among American men;
(2) esophageal cancer is one of the fastest growing cancer diagnoses among all Americans, increasing more than 700 percent in recent decades;
(3) esophageal cancer kills 1 American every 36 minutes every day;
(4) esophageal cancer is among the deadliest of cancers, with only about 1 in 5 patients surviving 5 years;
(5) esophageal cancer has tripled in incidence among younger Americans in recent decades;
(6) esophageal cancer has low survival rates because it is usually discovered at advanced stages when treatment outcomes are poor;
(7) raising awareness about esophageal cancer empowers individuals to seek preventive care, recognize symptoms, and pursue early detection strategies;
(8) survivors, caregivers, medical professionals, and researchers have made tremendous strides in advancing treatment options and improving the quality of life for those affected by the disease;
(9) esophageal cancer can be prevented through early detection of its precursor, Barrett’s esophagus, which can be eliminated with curative outpatient techniques;
(10) research indicates that patients diagnosed with early-stage esophageal cancer have a significantly higher 5-year survival rate (as high as 49 percent) compared to those diagnosed at later stages, underscoring the critical need for enhanced screening and awareness; and
(11) as of December 2022, the American Gastroenterological Association recommends screening with a standard upper endoscopy in individuals with 3 or more established risk factors for Barrett’s Esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma, including—
(A) male sex;
(B) non-Hispanic white ethnicity;
(C) age of 50 years or older;
(D) a history of smoking, chronic gastrointestinal reflux disease, or obesity; and
(E) a family history of Barrett’s Esophagus or esophageal adenocarcinoma.