Men’s Health Network Joins National Coalitions:
Supporting Bladder Cancer Research Funding and Strengthening the Nursing Workforce
Men’s health does not exist in isolation. It is shaped by research investment, healthcare access, the strength of the healthcare workforce, and national policies that influence how care is delivered across communities. When organizations come together to advocate for meaningful improvements in these areas, the benefits extend not only to patients but also to families, communities, and future generations.
Recently, MHN joined hundreds of health and patient advocacy organizations in supporting two important national policy initiatives that address both cancer research and healthcare workforce development. These initiatives focus on establishing a Bladder Cancer Research Program within the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) and recognizing post-baccalaureate nursing degrees as professional degrees within federal student loan policy.
Both efforts reflect MHN’s longstanding commitment to improving health outcomes for men and strengthening the healthcare systems that serve them.
For readers interested in the official announcement, the full press release is available, here!
Why This Announcement Matters During National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
The timing of this announcement is especially meaningful.
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about prevention, screening, and early detection.
Colorectal cancer is one of several cancers that significantly affect men. While public awareness campaigns often focus on a single disease at a time, many cancers that affect men share overlapping risk factors, screening opportunities, and prevention strategies.
Conditions such as colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer all highlight the importance of early detection, access to care, and sustained research investment.
Men continue to experience higher mortality rates across many major health conditions, and they are often less likely to seek preventive healthcare services. These patterns contribute to what researchers and public health experts refer to as the Lifespan Gender Gap, where men in the U.S. die on average about 6 years earlier.
Because of these realities, efforts to improve cancer research funding and healthcare access have a direct impact on men’s health. Strengthening research programs, expanding the healthcare workforce, and increasing awareness around screening and prevention are critical steps toward improving outcomes.
Advancing Research for Bladder Cancer
One of the policy initiatives supported by MHN focuses on expanding research funding for bladder cancer.
MHN joined national partners in urging Congress to establish an $8 million Bladder Cancer Research Program within the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) for Fiscal Year 2027.
Bladder cancer remains a significant health concern, particularly for men. The disease disproportionately affects men and is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among veterans and military service members. Approximately 3,200 veterans are diagnosed with bladder cancer each year, and men account for the majority of cases overall.
Despite its prevalence and the number of lives affected, bladder cancer research has historically received less attention and funding compared with other cancers. In many cases, survival rates have remained relatively stagnant for decades. Even more concerning, one of the most widely used frontline treatments for bladder cancer dates back more than a century.
For many patients and families, these realities highlight the urgent need for stronger federal investment in research.
Establishing a dedicated research program through the Department of Defense’s CDMRP would help accelerate progress in several key areas:
- Encouraging new scientific discoveries
- Attracting researchers to focus on bladder cancer
- Developing innovative treatment options
- Improving patient outcomes and quality of life
The impact of these advancements could be especially meaningful for veterans and service members, many of whom may have been exposed to environmental hazards or toxic chemicals during their service.
Jennifer Thompson, Vice President at Men’s Health Network, emphasized the importance of this research investment.
“Bladder cancer disproportionately affects veterans and individuals exposed to toxic chemicals during military service,” said Jennifer Thompson, VP at MHN, and a longtime supporter of Veteran services. “Investing in research is critical to improving outcomes and ensuring those who served our country, our cherished veterans, receive the care and innovation they deserve.”
The coalition supporting the bladder cancer research initiative continues to grow, and organizations across the healthcare and advocacy landscape are encouraging additional partners to add their support. Groups interested in participating are encouraged to sign onto the coalition effort by March 13.
Organizations interested in learning more or adding their support can review the announcement and coalition details here!
Supporting the Nursing Workforce and Expanding Access to Care
The second policy initiative supported by Men’s Health Network addresses a different but equally important issue: the strength of the healthcare workforce.
MHN joined more than 270 national and state organizations supporting updates to federal education policy that would recognize MSN, DNP, and PhD nursing degrees as professional degrees under the federal student loan limit structure.
Nurses and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) serve as the backbone of healthcare delivery across the United States. Their roles include preventive care, chronic disease management, health education, and primary care services.
Expanding this workforce has direct implications for men’s health.
Men are often less likely to seek preventive care, and they frequently enter the healthcare system later in the course of illness. Increasing the number of nurses and APRNs can help improve early engagement with healthcare services and expand opportunities for screening and prevention.
Federal workforce projections indicate that advanced practice nursing roles are expected to grow by 35 percent by 2034, reflecting the growing demand for healthcare providers nationwide.
However, the cost of advanced nursing education can create barriers for students pursuing these careers. Recognizing advanced nursing degrees as professional degrees under federal loan policy would help ensure that students have equitable access to the financial support needed to complete their training.
Increasing the number of trained nurses and APRNs helps ensure that men, particularly those living in rural and underserved communities, can access timely screenings, early diagnosis, and ongoing care.
Readers interested in learning more about this workforce initiative can explore additional information from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
Building Momentum for Men’s Health
For more than three decades, Men’s Health Network has worked to bring together a wide range of stakeholders to address persistent gaps in men’s health.
These efforts include collaboration among:
- Patients and caregivers
- Healthcare providers
- Researchers
- Policymakers
- Community organizations
Through education, advocacy, research, and partnerships, MHN continues to advance solutions that strengthen healthcare access and improve health outcomes for men and their families.
Supporting national coalition efforts such as these reflects MHN’s role as a convener of organizations working to advance men’s health across the United States.
Ron Henry, President of Men’s Health Network, highlighted the importance of workforce development in improving healthcare access.
Ron Henry, MHN’s President, noted that, “Expanding the workforce of nurses and encouraging advanced training among nurses is recognized across the political spectrum as being among the best ways to increase access to healthcare while reducing costs.”
