Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., announced on May 5 the introduction of the POPCaP Authorization Act, a bill aimed at permanently establishing the Precision Oncology Program for Cancer of the Prostate (POPCaP) to enhance care for veterans with prostate cancer.
The legislation seeks to address gaps in care and health disparities among veterans, especially African American veterans who face higher rates of diagnosis and mortality from prostate cancer. The program is designed to ensure that state-of-the-art research and treatments remain available specifically for those affected by this disease within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system.
“As a urologist and representative of over 76,000 veterans, I understand how important the POPCaP Program is to treat individuals with prostate cancer,” said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. “Due to the exposures our veterans faced during their time serving our nation, they are far more likely to develop prostate cancer than civilian men. Given the special attention this disease demands, rolling the POPCaP Program into greater oncology care is insufficient. We have made great strides in research and treatment for veterans and cannot afford to slow our progress. This program is vital and must not be dismantled or diminished.”
Congressman Herb Conaway, M.D., who also supports the bill, said: “As a physician, a veteran, and a Member of Congress I have seen firsthand the consequences of gaps in care and inequities in health outcomes. Prostate cancer remains a serious and disproportionate threat to our veteran population, particularly for African American veterans, who continue to face significantly higher rates of both diagnosis and mortality. This legislation represents an important step toward addressing those disparities by strengthening research and improving the delivery of care within the VA system. We have both the tools and the responsibility to do better. We must ensure we are making the investments necessary to protect the health and dignity of those who have served our country.”
Courtney Bugler, President and CEO of ZERO Prostate Cancer added: “The POPCaP Authorization Act represents a pivotal moment in the fight against prostate cancer. Our veterans face disproportionate risk due to service-related exposures, and African American veterans bear an unconscionable burden with twice the diagnosis rate and twice the mortality. We commend Representatives Murphy and Conaway for their leadership on this critical legislation. The VA’s integrated healthcare system offers an unparalleled opportunity to advance precision oncology research while delivering quality care to those who’ve served our nation. Congress must now move swiftly to pass this bill and ensure its funding. Our veterans have earned this investment, and the breakthroughs generated through POPCaP will benefit all American men facing this disease.”
Prostate cancer is currently reported as one of most commonly diagnosed cancers within VA healthcare facilities nationwide.
In recent years Gregory Murphy has won several general elections; he defeated Gheorghe Cormos in 2024 (77%–22%), Barbara Gaskins in 2022 (66%–33%), Daryl Farrow in 2020 (63%–36%), as well as Allen Thomas in 2019 (61%–37%), according to Ballotpedia.
The proposed act comes at a time when plans exist within VA leadership that would integrate POPCaP into broader precision oncology efforts—a move supporters say could dilute specialized resources needed by affected veterans.
