FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2026
CONTACT:
Kyra Smith (Crapo)
Legislation would reauthorize the EARLY Act through 2031
Washington, D.C.—Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) to reauthorize the Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act advanced unanimously through the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee.
The bill would extend the authorization of the EARLY Act through 2031, ensuring continuation of education and awareness efforts focused on breast cancer risks, prevention and early detection among young women.
“Early detection remains one of the most effective tools for improving health outcomes and saving lives,” said Crapo. “The EARLY Act has helped raise awareness of breast cancer risks among young women and encouraged preventive care and early screening when appropriate. Advancing this bipartisan legislation through committee is an important step toward continuing these efforts and ensuring women have access to the information they need to make informed decisions about their health.”
First enacted in 2010, the EARLY Act directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct evidence-based public education campaigns to increase awareness of breast cancer risks, early detection and risk-reducing lifestyle choices among young women, particularly those under age 40.
The law also supports research activities related to breast cancer prevention and educational efforts for physicians and other health care professionals involved in detecting and treating the disease.
Crapo previously helped secure a five-year reauthorization of the EARLY Act, which was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2021. The current authorization is set to expire in 2026.
The legislation now awaits consideration by the full Senate.
Senator Crapo has long sought to align federal programs with preventive health goals aimed at reducing government expenditures on care and fostering a healthier nation. His Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening Coverage Act was signed into law earlier this year, directing Medicare to cover blood-based multi-cancer early detection screening tests and providing access to lifesaving, preventive care.
About Mike Crapo
Senator Mike Crapo has represented Idaho in the Senate since 1999, following three terms in the U.S. House and eight years in the Idaho State Senate. A lifelong Idahoan, he currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.
