CARE for Blood Cancer Act of 2026

(a) In general. The Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities to conduct research to improve availability of, and access to, diagnostics and treatments with respect to blood cancer, including—

(1) developing and validating new screening methods for early detection of blood cancer;

(2) developing novel treatment methods and investigating the underlying drivers of variable effectiveness in currently available treatment methods;

(3) identifying risk factors that increase the incidence and mortality rates of blood cancer disproportionately in populations with higher than average rates; and

(4) developing approaches to capture and assess family history and genetic predispositions to blood cancer and provide appropriate guidance regarding genetic counseling and regular medical checkups for high-risk individuals.

(b) Eligibility. To be eligible for a grant under this section, an entity shall be—

(1) an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a))) or a consortium of such institutions; or

(2) an academic medical center (as defined in section 411.355(e)(2) of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations)).