Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Act

This bill would let the CDC offer competitive grants to states to raise awareness, educate the public and health workers, and improve early detection of colorectal cancer in people under age 45. Lawmakers point to rising cases in younger people, noting about 1 in 5 cases occur in those 54 or younger and that colorectal cancer could become the leading cause of cancer deaths for people under 50 by 2030. States could use funds to support testing for at-risk young people, make referrals (including genetic testing and counseling), run public education campaigns, train health professionals, track quality of screenings, build tools to help clinicians follow guidelines, and provide patient navigation and follow-up.

The bill defines “young individual” as under 45 and focuses outreach on people with higher risk, such as those with a family history, inflammatory bowel disease, certain inherited syndromes, or warning signs like rectal bleeding or iron deficiency anemia. It also prioritizes underserved and rural communities, American Indian, Alaska Native, and African American individuals, and people with type 2 diabetes. Grants would be awarded for five years; unspent funds must be returned, and states must report how the money was used .

Key points

• Who is affected: States; people under 45, especially those at higher risk; underserved and rural communities; American Indian, Alaska Native, and African American individuals; people with type 2 diabetes.
• What changes: CDC grants would fund early detection and diagnostic testing for at-risk young people, public awareness, provider training, navigation and follow-up, quality tracking, and clinician support tools.
• When: Grants last five years; states must return unspent funds within six months of the grant ending and file a report on how the funds were used.