S. 1928 — Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act of 2025

This section states congressional findings concerning the rapid increase in esophageal cancer incidence (over 700% in recent decades and tripled among younger people), its high mortality (one U.S. death every 36 minutes and approximately 20% five-year survival rate overall), the benefits of early detection of precursor Barrett’s esophagus (up to 49% five-year survival for early-stage cases), and screening recommendations for individuals with three or more risk factors (e.g., male sex, age 50 or older, smoking history, chronic GERD, obesity, family history, or non-Hispanic White ethnicity).

This section directs the Comptroller General of the United States to submit to Congress, not later than one year after the date of enactment, a report evaluating the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. (The FEHB Program provides health insurance to federal civilian employees, retirees, and their families.) The report must assess (1) the total impact of esophageal cancer-related health care spending under the program for covered individuals diagnosed with esophageal cancer; and (2) the frequency with which high-risk covered individuals (i.e., those with medical records indicating elevated risk) undergo esophageal cancer screening in accordance with established guidelines.