In 2026, the American Cancer Society estimates 6,900 South Carolina men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 660 will die from the disease, making it one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the state. Prostate cancer screening has saved more than 200,000 lives since 1990. Despite this progress, many high-risk men in South Carolina continue to face financial barriers that prevent them from accessing lifesaving early detection. Men are only half as likely to be screened when they must pay out-of-pocket costs, which average approximately 33 dollars per screening. For many families, this cost is high enough to delay or prevent screening. 

S 1019 would address this issue by eliminating out-of-pocket costs for prostate cancer screening and making screening cost-free for the high-risk men who need it most. This policy is essential for improving early detection and reducing deaths related to prostate cancer. 

Your lawmakers need to hear from constituents who support improved access to preventive care. It is important that they listen to South Carolina residents who value public health and early detection, rather than to special interests that oppose this legislation. 

Your voice can make a meaningful difference in advancing S 1019. 

Please take a moment to contact your state lawmakers and urge them to pass this lifesaving bill. 

Thank you for your commitment to improving health outcomes for high-risk men in South Carolina. 

Take action now!