SACRAMENTO, CA – Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) introduced SB 1309 – The Stop Cancer Early Act, to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for medically appropriate lung cancer screenings and follow-up care. SB 1309 aims to improve early detection, reduce preventable deaths, and advance health equity for low-income Californians, veterans, and communities of color.

Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in California, claiming nearly 10,000 lives each year, more than breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers combined. Yet screening rates for lung cancer remain critically low at just 4.5%, compared to 70–75% for other screenable cancers.

Currently, lung cancer is the most economically burdensome form of cancer. Patients are often deterred from getting screened by the multi-hundred-dollar price tag, leading to almost half of lung cancer patients receiving a Stage 4 diagnosis.

“No one should have to choose between their finances and their health, especially when it comes to potentially lifesaving cancer screenings,” said Senator Susan Rubio. “At a time when many families are already struggling to make ends meet, SB 1309 removes financial barriers so Californians can access lung cancer screenings and follow-up care at no cost. Early detection saves lives.”

By making screenings more accessible, it would allow patients to receive more affordable and less invasive treatment, stopping the cancer before it progresses to later stages. 

"Too many Californians at high risk for lung cancer don’t get screened because they simply can’t afford it. By eliminating cost-sharing requirements, this bill will help more people catch cancer early, when treatment has the best chance of working, and save lives,” said Robert Park, California Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).

“When lung cancer is found early, lives are saved, and SB 1309 ensures cost will no longer stand in the way of Californians getting screened,” said Kesa Bruce, Director of Advocacy at the American Lung Association.

This bill eliminates patient cost-sharing for medically necessary lung cancer screenings, making sure families can access lifesaving early detection, protecting our most vulnerable, and preventing loss before it’s too late.

Senator Rubio is available for media interviews in English or Spanish.  To schedule an interview, please contact

 Giovanni Ruiz at Giovanni.RuizReyes@sen.ca.gov.