Asal Sayas National Strategy on Young Adult Cancers Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
- Committees
- Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 9, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to create a comprehensive federal framework to address the rising incidence and mortality of cancers in young adults through coordinated research, public awareness, and improved healthcare strategies.
What it actually does
This bill mandates the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop a national strategy within 18 months to address the rising incidence of cancers in young adults aged 18-49. The strategy must include an inventory of current research, a national education campaign for the public and healthcare professionals, identification of strategic research priorities, and recommendations for improving early detection, treatment, and prevention. It also establishes a Federal Coordinating Committee on Young Adult Cancers and an online clearinghouse for information.
Proponents argue
Supporters emphasize the alarming rise in young adult cancer rates, the significant economic and social costs, and the current diagnostic and screening gaps that disproportionately affect this age group. They argue a national strategy is crucial to coordinate fragmented federal efforts, raise public and professional awareness, and accelerate research into prevention, early detection, and effective treatments for this underserved population.
Opponents contend
No explicit opposition to the core objectives of this bill has been identified. Potential concerns, if any, might revolve around the administrative burden on federal agencies or the allocation of existing resources without new dedicated funding, rather than the bill's overall intent.
The bill text is concise and accessible, allowing for a quick understanding of its core objectives and mandates.
Section 1
Short Title
This section establishes the official short title of the Act as the "Asal Sayas National Strategy on Young Adult Cancers Act," which is how the legislation will be commonly referred to in public discourse and legislative tracking.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a short title makes legislation more memorable and easier to reference, especially when honoring an individual, which can raise public awareness for the cause the bill addresses.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against short titles, as they are standard legislative practice.
Section 2
Congressional Findings on Young Adult Cancers
This section outlines 15 specific findings by Congress regarding the increasing incidence and mortality of cancers in young adults (ages 18-49), the significant economic burden, specific cancer types on the rise, and existing barriers to timely diagnosis and effective treatment for this age group. These findings establish the legislative intent and urgency behind the bill's mandates.
Section 3, amending Section 402 of the Public Health Service Act, subsection (p)(1)
Mandate for a National Strategy on Young Adult Cancers
This provision requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop and submit a national strategy to address young adult cancers within 18 months of the Act's enactment. The strategy, officially named the "Asal Sayas National Strategy on Young Adult Cancers," must also be publicly posted on the NIH website and a newly established clearinghouse.
Section 3, amending Section 402 of the Public Health Service Act, subsection (p)(2)
Requirements of the National Strategy
This section details the specific requirements for the national strategy. It must include an inventory of current young adult cancer research, a national education campaign for the public and healthcare professionals on symptoms and risk factors, identification of strategic research priorities across biomedical, behavioral, and environmental areas, and a review of disease burden and disparities. It also mandates recommendations for improving early detection, screening, treatment, and prevention, and for establishing a National Centers of Excellence for Young Adult Cancers program within the National Cancer Institute.
Section 3, amending Section 402 of the Public Health Service Act, subsection (p)(3)
Establishment of Federal Coordinating Committee on Young Adult Cancers
This provision establishes a Federal Coordinating Committee on Young Adult Cancers, to be led by the Director of NIH. This committee is tasked with consulting on the national strategy's development and submitting biennial progress reports to Congress. Its membership is broad, including directors from various NIH institutes, heads of other federal agencies (e.g., CDC, FDA, CMS, VA, DoD, EPA), and representatives from patient advocacy groups, academic research, the biomedical industry, and community health institutions.
Section 3, amending Section 402 of the Public Health Service Act, subsection (p)(2)(G)
Establishment of an Online Federal Clearinghouse
As part of the national strategy, an online Federal clearinghouse must be established to provide comprehensive information on young adult cancers. This platform will serve the general public, patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and researchers, offering resources on risk factors, symptoms, screening eligibility, research findings, clinical trials, funding opportunities, and clinical practice guidelines.