This week, the U.S. House passed without objection U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn’s, R-Fla., “Veterans Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research Act.”
Dunn, a doctor who served in the U.S. Army and now sits on the U.S. House Veterans Affairs Committee, introduced the bill back in March and rounded up three cosponsors including U.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham, D-SC.
“Prostate cancer is the number one cancer diagnosed in the Veterans Health Administration, with over 489,000 veterans undergoing treatment. This bill will direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national clinical pathway for prostate cancer, a standardized system of care for the treatment of what is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the veterans’ health system.
“Veterans who have been in contact with toxins, such as Agent Orange, are at higher risk for prostate cancer. Establishing a clinical pathway will standardize treatment options and result in improved outcomes for these patients. Additionally, this bill will create a real-time registry to track patient progress and will allow patients greater access to cutting edge clinical trials,” Dunn’s office added.
“The last thing any veteran should face is yet another enemy – prostate cancer,” said Dunn on Tuesday after his bill cleared the House. “I’m pleased to see my bill pass today. The key to overcoming prostate cancer is early detection. Veterans deserve a system that streamlines the pathway from early detection to successful treatment. I’m grateful that my colleagues recognized the importance of my bill and have joined me in defeating this deadly adversary.”
While the House has passed the bill, there is no related legislation over in the U.S. Senate.
First elected to Congress in 2016, Dunn represents a solidly Republican district which includes parts of the Big Bend and the Panhandle. Dunn faces write-in candidate Kim O’Connor in November.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
