We can significantly reduce suffering and death from cancer by applying what the scientific and medical communities already know cost effective screening and timely treatment can reduce, perhaps eliminate, many common cancer killers. However, only 38% of uninsured women are getting mammograms and the NBCCEDP is woefully underfunded, serving only 1 in 5 eligible women. Tragically, we have no federal screening program for colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer deaths. These deaths are largely preventable, and we could begin to save more than 30,000 lives a year if we enact H.R. 1738. These efforts would ensure greater access to high-quality prevention, early detection, and treatment that could spare countless lives, reduce cancer disparities, and save billions in health care costs. It is unacceptable for our country to waste this knowledge and let millions go without lifesaving screenings and treatments that are critical to surviving breast, cervical and colorectal cancers.

ANSWER: John McCain  Republican
Responses provided by candidate

John McCain believes that cancer screenings, early detection, and timely treatment are crucial for helping Americans battle this horrible disease and improving our nation's cancer mortality rates. He cosponsored and fought for implementation of mammography standards and fought for expanding mammography and colorectal screening under Medicare. He also authored legislation that would have provided access to cancer clinical trials. He strongly supports programs such as the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which provides a vital, life-saving service to uninsured women who may otherwise go without the screenings this program and potentially risk their health. John McCain’s health care reform plan would also work to ensure that all Americans have access to health plans that offer health prevention and maintenance benefits to ensure they are detecting illness including cancer as early as possible.

ANSWER: Barack Obama  Democrat
Responses provided by candidate

My health care reform plan will ensure that all Americans have access to preventive services. Specifically, as president, I will establish a new public plan that will cover preventive services. Private plans that participate in the newly established National Health Insurance Exchange will be required to cover preventive services as well. Our health care system too often functions as a disease care system, and the time is past due for the federal government to demonstrate leadership and commitment to addressing this shortcoming. As I work with the Congress to enact a universal health care plan, I will support and expand breast and cervical cancer screening through NBCCEDP, which serves as a safety net for millions of women who would otherwise have no access to these screenings. In addition, I will support development of programs to support colorectal screening, such as that legislated in HR 1738.