Congressman Gregory F. Murphy, MD, presented “The Veteran’s Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research Act” for the Grand Rounds in Urology audience in August 2021.

How to cite: Murphy, Gregory F. The Veteran’s Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research Act.” August 2021. Accessed Mar 2024. https://grandroundsinurology.com/the-veterans-prostate-cancer-treatment-and-research-act/

The Veteran’s Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research Act – Summary

Congressman Gregory F. Murphy, MD, a urologist and the Representative from North Carolina’s 3rd District, introduces the bipartisan Veteran’s Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research Act, also known as H.R. 4880. After an introduction from E. David Crawford, MD, Editor-in-Chief of Grand Rounds in Urology and Professor of Urology at the University of California, San Diego, Rep. Murphy explains that H.R. 4880 seeks to create a streamlined approach to care for prostate cancer, the most-diagnosed cancer in the VA system. Rep. Murphy then lists the elements of the bill, including the development of: a national prostate cancer clinical pathway that reflects prostate cancer guidelines that are up-to-date and change as needed; a comprehensive prostate cancer program at the VA that will implement this pathway and present a coordinated effort from VAs all across the system; a prostate cancer education plan; and a prostate cancer registry. Rep. Murphy particularly highlights the importance of prostate cancer education and early management, noting that certain veteran groups may be at particularly high risk of developing prostate cancer due to exposure to chemicals like Agent Orange or contaminants such as those formerly found in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune. The presentation concludes with a conversation between Rep. Murphy and Dr. Crawford on how the urology community can help H.R. 4880 pass. Rep. Murphy emphasizes the importance of communication between healthcare providers and legislators, and encourages audience members to develop relationships with their state and federal representatives, as well as to call their congressperson regarding this bill.  

For more on prostate cancer treatment for veterans from GRU, check out Hormonal Intervention for the Treatment of Veterans with COVID-19 Requiring Hospitalization (HITCH).