Policy News: U.S. Federal Budget Passage
Policy News: What Federal Budget Passage Means for Colorectal Cancer Patients
This week, Congress officially passed its FY 2026 appropriations bill, delivering meaningful wins in the fight against cancer and reinforcing that cancer remains a national priority. The legislation increases cancer research funding, expands cancer prevention and screening programs, and lays important groundwork for Medicare to cover cutting-edge early detection technologies, including multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests, once they are approved by the FDA and shown to provide clinical benefit.
For people impacted by colorectal cancer (CRC), these investments are more than policy decisions. They represent progress toward prevention, earlier detection, faster access to treatment, and better chances for survival.
Strengthening Cancer Research, Prevention, and Screening
At its core, the FY 2026 package includes critical investments in cancer research and prevention programs across the Department ofHealth and Human Services. These funds support the scientific discovery that fuels new screening approaches, more precise treatments, and improved outcomes for patients.
For CRC specifically, sustained and expanded federal research funding helps advance earlier and more accurate screening tools, biomarker-driven and targeted therapies, and a deeper understanding of disease biology across diverse populations.
Prevention and screening remain some of the most powerful tools in reducing colorectal cancer deaths, and this legislation signals continued federal commitment to those efforts.
A Major Step Forward for Early Detection: MCED Screening
One of the most significant components of the bill is the passage of the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening Coverage Act. This legislation allows Medicare to cover MCED tests once they are approved by the FDA and demonstrate clinical benefit.
This is a major milestone for preventive screening and early detection. MCED tests have the potential to identify cancers, including colorectal cancer, earlier, sometimes before symptoms appear. Earlier detection means more treatment options, less aggressive therapy in some cases, and improved survival outcomes. And in colorectal cancer, screening can mean prevention.
For the CRC community, this lays the groundwork for broader access to innovative screening technologies that could complement existing colorectal screening methods and help catch cancer sooner.
Expanded Access to Care Through Telehealth
The FY 2026 package also pairs health funding with targeted Medicare reforms, including extensions of telehealth and hospital-at-home authorities. These provisions are especially meaningful for CRC patients who rely on ongoing care, follow-up appointments, symptom management, and supportive services. Continued access to telehealth can reduce travel burdens, improve continuity of care, and help ensure patients can stay connected to their care teams, especially those living in rural or underserved communities.
Progress for Pediatric and Young Adult Cancer Communities
While not CRC-specific, the bill includes important provisions that benefit pediatric and young adult cancer patients, including those affected by early-onset colorectal cancer. The Give Kids a Chance Act of 2026 expands the FDA's authority related to research on rare pediatric diseases and strengthens requirements for pediatric studies, while reauthorizing programs that support pediatric research. In addition, Congress approved a five-year reauthorization of the Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher program, increasing incentives for rare disease research and accelerating drug development timelines.
Although colorectal cancer advocacy is not traditionally focused on pediatric or rare diseases, these policies matter. Pediatric and young adult CRC is considered rare due to the limited number of diagnoses, though there is increasing incidence. And progress in rare disease research can have ripple effects that benefit the broader cancer community.
Andrew Spiegel, CEO of the Global Colon Cancer Association, said, "The passage of this appropriations bill marks a transformative moment for colorectal cancer patients across America. The inclusion of the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare MCED Screening Coverage Act is particularly significant. It opens the door to innovative early detection technologies that could save countless lives. At GCCA, we know that earlier detection is one of our most powerful weapons against this disease. When combined with increased research funding and expanded access to care through telehealth, this legislation represents real hope for patients and families facing colorectal cancer. We're grateful to Congress for making cancer a national priority, and we remain committed to ensuring these advances reach every patient who needs them."
Advocacy Works
These advances are the result of sustained advocacy and collaboration across the cancer community. The Global Colon Cancer Association is proud to work alongside partners including ACS CAN, Prevent Cancer, Fight CRC, and the Krishnan Family Foundation to elevate the voices of patients, survivors, caregivers, and advocates.
Together, these organizations have helped ensure that colorectal cancer remains part of the national conversation, from prevention and screening to research and access to care. Progress like this reminds us that when the cancer community speaks with a unified voice, change is possible.