Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. In the early stages, pancreatic cancer often does not present any noticeable signs or symptoms. By the time symptoms do appear, the cancer has typically grown significantly or spread beyond the pancreas, making it much more challenging to treat effectively.  Enhancing pancreatic cancer prevention, screening, education, and support programs is essential to improving early detection, increasing awareness, and ensuring patients receive comprehensive care.

WHAT THIS BILL DOES

• H2432 and S1484, An Act to Reduce Incidence and Death from Pancreatic Cancer, would initiate a comprehensive cancer program led by the Department of Public Health to provide coordinated pancreatic cancer screening, early detection, education, and support programs in Massachusetts.
• It would require the creation of a 13-member pancreatic cancer advisory council consisting of interdisciplinary members that would develop certification systems for hospitals, identify underserved areas, and establish a multi-provider consortium to share best practices and develop clinical trials.
• It calls for a comprehensive study on pancreatic cancer prevalence and unmet needs and the development of a public education program on genetic risks and symptoms. 
• This bill also requires the commissioner of insurance to survey genetic testing coverage and for the Center for Health Information and Analysis to update its review of pancreatic cancer screening benefits.

WHY THIS MATTERS

• Pancreatic cancer is a very complex condition to treat since symptoms are often not apparent until the cancer has advanced to the point where it has spread beyond the pancreas.
• This legislation seeks to improve patient outcomes by enhancing access to quality care, fostering research, and increasing public awareness around pancreatic cancer. By addressing gaps in health care services and promoting collaboration among health care providers, the bill aims to reduce the burden of pancreatic cancer on patients and their families in Massachusetts.