Policy Resolution HHS-26-12

WHEREAS, cancer continues to be the second leading cause of death in the United States with a disproportionate effect on certain racial and ethnic groups, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;

WHEREAS, African American men have the highest incidence rates of prostate cancer and are more than twice as likely to die from the disease compared to White men, according to the National Institutes of Health;

WHEREAS, African American women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age and at a more advanced stage compared to White women, and they also have a higher mortality rate from breast cancer, according to a study by the National Institutes of Health;

WHEREAS, African Americans have higher rates of colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, and they are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage disease, which contributes to poorer outcomes, according to the National Institutes of Health;

WHEREAS, a study by the National Institutes of Health showed that African American men have higher rates of lung cancer incidence and mortality compared to White men, and smoking rates and exposure to environmental toxins contribute to these disparities;

WHEREAS, health disparities in the African American community are driven by significant socioeconomic and structural barriers which result in the community being less likely to receive preventive cancer screenings for cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer or biomarker testing to guide them to the most effective treatment; and

WHEREAS, this resolution builds on NBCSL’s history of addressing cancer inequities through HHS-22-42, HHS-22-27, and HHS-19-31, which expanded biomarker access, early screening, and survivorship support in communities of color.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) believes that there is a fundamental responsibility to dismantle barriers to care African American people that limit access to lifesaving cancer screenings and treatment and improve cancer outcomes in the community;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBCSL supports policies that ensure equitable access to biomarker testing for African-American cancer patients by requiring state-regulated plans, including Medicaid, to cover critical testing that allows providers to identify the most effective treatment for a patient’s cancer;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBCSL supports policies that dismantle access barriers to preventive prostate cancer screenings by waiving copay fees that impede access;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBCSL supports the creation and promotion of culturally appropriate education and outreach to encourage timely screenings for breast, prostate, melanoma, and colorectal cancer;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBCSL urges our legislators to provide resources for and direct constituents to community health workers and other experts who provide culturally competent education, navigation, advocacy, and other assistance, and are an effective means for addressing health disparities; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, members of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, and other federal and state government officials as appropriate.

• Resolution ID: HHS-26-12
• Sponsored by: Rep. Amber M. Baker (NC)
• Policy Committee: Health and Human Services Policy Committee