H.2432 - An Act to reduce incidence and death from pancreatic cancer

Current Status: Read more. 

Senate Bill: S.1484, Joanne Comerford.

Background: Pancreatic cancer has a five-year survival rate of only 10% and over 70% of pancreatic cancer patients will die within the first year of diagnosis. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2021 there will be 1,340 new cases of pancreatic cancer in Massachusetts. Both of Rep. Gentile's parents passed away from pancreatic cancer. 

What this bill does: H.2432 (co-filed with Representative Hannah Kane) seeks to implement the Recommendations of the Final Report of the Special Legislative Commission to Study Pancreatic Cancer in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

This will include:

1. The establishment of a comprehensive pancreatic cancer initiative to provide coordinated pancreatic cancer prevention, screening, education, and support programs in the Commonwealth. 
2. The establishment of a 13-member pancreatic cancer advisory council of experts to be within the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that will, in part, develop and implement a statewide public education and community outreach program to inform the public about genetic risks, signs, symptoms, and pre-malignant conditions associated with pancreatic cancer, including new-onset diabetes, and the availability of clinical trials for those with pancreatic cancer. 
3. A survey of health insurers to ascertain coverage benefits of genetic testing for pancreatic cancer across health insurance plans and a review and update of its mandated benefit review of pancreatic cancer screenings.