WASHINGTON, DC – July 16, 2025 – The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) strongly supports the reintroduction of the Mobile Cancer Screening Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at expanding access to lifesaving cancer screening services, especially low dose CT scans for lung cancer, in rural and underserved communities. The legislation was introduced this week by Representatives Raul Ruiz, MD (D-CA), Gabe Evans (R-CO), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL).
The Mobile Cancer Screening Act would establish a competitive grant program through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to fund mobile cancer screening units, grants of up to $2 million would help providers acquire vehicles, imaging equipment, and essential software to reach more patients where they live.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US, but early detection can drastically improve survival rates. Despite the proven benefits of screening, many eligible individuals lack convenient access to the necessary diagnostic services.
“Far too many Americans lack access to early detection tools that save lives,” said Dr. Joseph Sabik, President of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. “This bill is a step forward toward bringing advanced screening technology directly to communities in need.”
STS commends the bipartisan coalition of lawmakers for prioritizing this critical issue and calls on Congress to pass the Mobile Cancer Screening Act swiftly. Mobile screening programs have proven effective in detecting cancers earlier, improving survival rates, and advancing health equity across the US.
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For more information, contact Haley Brown, senior manager of political affairs and advocacy, at hbrowns@sts.org.
About STS
Founded in 1964, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons is a not-for-profit organization representing more than 7,800 cardiothoracic surgeons, researchers, and allied healthcare professionals worldwide who are dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for surgeries of the heart, lung, and esophagus, as well as other surgical procedures within the chest. The Society’s mission is to improve the lives of patients with cardiothoracic diseases.