Bill Overview
Title: Childhood Cancer STAR Reauthorization Act of 2022
Description: This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 and modifies pediatric cancer research and related programs, including to expand collection of and access to relevant biospecimens and to support the transition of pediatric cancer survivors to primary care.
Sponsors: Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10]
Target Audience
Population: Pediatric cancer patients and survivors
Estimated Size: 500000
- The bill focuses on pediatric cancer, so it directly affects children diagnosed with cancer.
- It also targets surviving children as it aims to support their transition to primary care.
- Since it is a US bill, the primary population impacted will be within the United States.
- Global relevance exists, but the legislation has a direct impact primarily within the US healthcare and research systems.
- Pediatric cancer patients and survivors globally can benefit indirectly through research advancements resultant from this bill.
Reasoning
- The policy targets a specific group - pediatric cancer patients and survivors in the US. This is a relatively small portion of the overall population but significant in medical needs.
- There is a need to consider the budget limitations as the policy will not cover all medical expenses for all patients but aims to improve aspects like transition to primary care and research.
- The Cantril Wellbeing Scale is used to measure subjective wellbeing, which might improve with increased support and resources from the policy.
- Not all pediatric cancer patients and survivors will experience a high impact; some might already have access to necessary transition support, while for others, the policy can make a critical difference.
- Diversity in location, socioeconomic background, and type of pediatric cancer can influence the impact assessment. Therefore, individuals in the simulation include varied demographics.
Simulated Interviews
Pediatric Oncologist (New York, NY)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The reauthorization is crucial for ongoing research and helping survivors transition to normal healthcare.
- It can fill gaps in resources though may not be sufficient for all needs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Student (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 11 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm too young to fully understand everything, but my mom said it will help us get new medicine and doctors.
- I just want to feel better and play with my friends.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Medical Research Scientist (Houston, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The expansion of biospecimen collection is a game-changer for targeted therapies.
- We need consistent funding to translate research into effective treatments.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Child Life Specialist (Chicago, IL)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to primary care post-treatment is vital for comprehensive recovery.
- This bill helps us provide extended support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Healthcare Policy Analyst (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While the investment is substantial, the reach may be limited within the broader healthcare budget.
- It's a positive step but needs more engagement with local initiatives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Student (Detroit, MI)
Age: 9 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 12.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's good they'll have more doctors for us.
- Hope they'll make medicines to keep cancer away forever.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Mother and Caregiver (Seattle, WA)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is a much-needed support for caregivers like us.
- Transitioning to primary care is a nightmare; hope this makes it easier.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Retired Pediatrician (Miami, FL)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've seen firsthand the resources needed in pediatric oncology.
- Reauthorization ensures continuity in research and care transitions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
High School Student (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 15 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having more resources is awesome, especially for mental health.
- I just want doctors who understand and help me transition smoothly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cancer Research Fundraiser (Boston, MA)
Age: 72 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The reauthorization means we can push harder for lasting research projects.
- It's all about keeping the momentum in this fight.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $150000000 (Low: $130000000, High: $170000000)
Year 2: $150000000 (Low: $130000000, High: $170000000)
Year 3: $150000000 (Low: $130000000, High: $170000000)
Year 5: $150000000 (Low: $130000000, High: $170000000)
Year 10: $150000000 (Low: $130000000, High: $170000000)
Year 100: $150000000 (Low: $130000000, High: $170000000)
Key Considerations
- The focus on pediatric cancer, a critical area of public health, can justify ongoing support and funding.
- The potential advancements in biospecimen collection can enhance biological research and treatment methodologies.
- Long-term healthcare cost savings through improved survivorship care could offset some initial expenditures.