Member Login
Search

LUGPA Policy Alert: LUGPA Supports Legislation Expanding Precision Oncology Access for Veterans with Prostate Cancer

August 2026

LUGPA has joined a coalition of patient advocacy organizations, clinicians, researchers, and prostate cancer stakeholders in support of H.R. 8553, the Precision Oncology Program for Cancer of the Prostate (POPCaP) Authorization Act of 2026.

The bipartisan legislation, introduced by Reps. Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC) and Herb Conaway, M.D. (D-NJ), would formally authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs’ existing POPCaP program. A companion Senate bill, S. 4993, was introduced by Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jerry Moran (R-KS).

Improving Prostate Cancer Care for Veterans

Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among men receiving care through the VA health care system. Veterans face an increased risk of prostate cancer due to service-related exposures, including Agent Orange and burn pits, and are more likely to present with advanced disease and experience higher mortality rates compared with the general population.

Precision oncology, including genetic and genomic testing, has transformed prostate cancer treatment by allowing clinicians to better understand each patient’s disease and identify personalized treatment options. However, access to these tools remains inconsistent across the VA system.

The POPCaP program helps address these gaps by providing veterans with advanced prostate cancer access to:

  • Genetic sequencing to guide personalized treatment decisions.
  • Telemedicine Tumor Boards connecting veterans nationwide with prostate cancer specialists.
  • A prostate cancer registry to track genetic mutations and improve research.
  • Precision oncology clinical trials and biomarker-driven research opportunities.
  • Travel support to help eligible veterans participate in clinical studies.

Why This Matters

By authorizing POPCaP, Congress would preserve a successful VA precision medicine model and ensure veterans—regardless of where they receive care—continue to have access to advanced prostate cancer treatment resources and clinical innovation.

The legislation would strengthen efforts to:

  • Expand access to personalized cancer care.
  • Improve coordination among VA clinicians and cancer specialists.
  • Increase veteran participation in clinical trials.
  • Advance research and treatment options for prostate cancer patients.

LUGPA’s Advocacy

LUGPA supports H.R. 8553 and S. 4993 as part of its commitment to improving access to high-quality, patient-centered prostate cancer care. LUGPA encourages Congress to advance the POPCaP Authorization Act and ensure veterans with prostate cancer have continued access to the precision oncology tools needed to improve outcomes.

LUGPA will continue advocating for policies that expand patient access to innovative treatments, strengthen cancer care delivery, and support physicians’ ability to provide high-quality care.

Legislation: