Press Releases

Congressman Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA) and Congressman James Comer (R-KY), the Ranking Member and Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform respectively, introduced the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act, bipartisan legislation to commission a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study on gaps in screening and prevention of esophageal cancer.

“Esophageal Cancer is quickly on the rise, touching the lives of tens of thousands of Americans – including mine,” said Ranking Member Connolly. “It is vital that we all do our part to raise awareness and push for more research and more effective prevention efforts. I am immensely grateful to my colleague, Chairman Comer, for joining me in introducing this important legislation today. Together, we will fight to end esophageal cancer, bringing hope to thousands of American families.”

“Esophageal cancer is one of the deadliest and fastest growing cancer diagnoses among Americans today,” said Chairman Comer. “Raising awareness for esophageal cancer encourages research into preventative treatments, empowers individuals to recognize symptoms and seek care, and—most importantly—helps save lives. The Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act is a crucial, bipartisan bill that will bring to light the devastating impact of esophageal cancer on the federal workforce and their families. I am proud to join Ranking Member Connolly in introducing this bill and urge members of Congress to join us in the fight to end esophageal cancer.”

The Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act directs the GAO to report on key issues related to esophageal cancer. The report will examine available treatment options, public awareness efforts regarding risk factors and symptoms, initiatives to improve patient quality of life, federal health care spending for esophageal cancer under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, and screening rates among high-risk individuals within the FEHB system.

Esophageal cancer is the fastest increasing cancer among American men. A GAO study of FEHB enrollees to measure how often members whose medical records indicate three or more of the stated risk factors undergo endoscopy will provide valuable information about the gaps in screening and prevention of this deadly cancer.

The legislation is supported by the Esophageal Cancer Action Network (ECAN).

"The Esophageal Cancer Action Network (ECAN) commends Representatives Connolly and Comer for introducing legislation that sharpens the focus on this deadly, but preventable, cancer,” said Mindy Mintz Mordecai, President and CEO of ECAN. “We are confident that the GAO study called for in the bill will provide valuable, potentially life-saving, data to support more effective prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies. ECAN calls on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to pass this bill as an important step in improving Esophageal Cancer survival."

Text of the legislation is available here.