This bill mandates that licensed health care professionals include a myeloma screening as part of the annual physical examinations for male patients. The legislation is driven by alarming statistics from the American Cancer Society, which estimates that there will be 34,470 new cases of myeloma in the United States in 2022, with 12,640 deaths attributed to the disease. In New Jersey alone, it is projected that there will be 1,060 new cases and 330 deaths. The bill highlights the higher incidence and mortality rates of myeloma among men, particularly African American men, underscoring the need for proactive screening measures.

The act is designed to take effect immediately upon passage, reflecting the urgency of addressing myeloma through early detection. By requiring screenings during annual physicals, the bill aims to improve health outcomes for a demographic that is disproportionately affected by this type of cancer. The legislative findings emphasize the importance of this initiative in promoting public health and potentially reducing the incidence and mortality rates associated with myeloma.