WASHINGTON, D.C. [11/30/22] – Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) reintroduced a bipartisan resolution to designate November as National Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Their resolution highlights the importance of early detection of lung cancer to help save lives. It also recognizes the need for research to improve early diagnosis, screening and treatment.
“We need to take every possible step to fight this terrible disease that kills far too many people in Minnesota and across the country each year,” said Sen. Smith. “Raising awareness about the importance of lung cancer screenings for eligible individuals can help detect the cancer earlier, and save lives. Former Minnesota U.S. Representative Rick Nolan and his daughter Katherine inspired me to introduce this resolution. Katherine, who courageously fought stage 4 lung cancer for five years before succumbing to the disease, was a fierce advocate for early detection and research and I’m proud to carry on her fight.”
“As co-chair of the Congressional Lung Cancer Caucus, I am proud to stand with Sen. Smith and Rep. Auchincloss in the battle against lung cancer,” said Congressman Boyle. “In 2022, almost a quarter of a million Americans are estimated to be newly diagnosed with lung cancer. Raising awareness and increasing education around this disease is a critical step in making sure we are detecting lung cancer at an early stage. I will continue to fight on the floor of Congress and in my district for increased resources for research and education around lung cancer, and to support those affected by this horrible disease.”
“With the rate of lung cancer diagnosis increasing, screenings should be as well. Instead, we’ve seen a decrease in screenings and a lack of education about the causes of lung cancer,” said Congressman Auchincloss. “As someone who represents Massachusetts – home to world-class lung cancer treatment and research – I am proud to lead this resolution, which is a critical step in increasing awareness of the causes of lung cancer and encouraging screenings nationwide.”
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among men and women in the United States—accounting for more deaths than colon cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. A house companion bill has been introduced by Congressman Brendan Boyle (D, PA-02) and Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D, MA-04).
The resolution is also supported by The American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative, GO2 Foundation, and American Lung Association.
“As we observe this November Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we amplify the efforts of this Congressional Resolution, to combat stigma, promote life-saving early detection-screening, particularly among women and racial and ethnic minorities disproportionately affected by lung cancer—to support increased research on diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. This reaffirms our commitment to relentlessly confronting lung cancer every way, every day,” said Laurie Fenton Ambrose, Co-founder, President & CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer.
“We have an incredible opportunity to save lives by screening more people who are at high risk for lung cancer. Thank you to Senator Smith and Senator Rubio for elevating this critical effort in Congress and with Americans to help raise awareness for lifesaving screening. We look forward to working with Congress and President Biden to achieve the ambitious goals of the Cancer Moonshot Initiative,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association.
“Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in the United States, with over 130,000 people dying from this disease every year. Studies have shown that lung cancer screening can reduce lung cancer mortality by 20-33%, but less than 10% of Americans at high-risk of lung cancer are currently getting screened. Increasing awareness of lung cancer and lung cancer screening has the potential to save tens of thousands of lives. The re-introduction of this bipartisan resolution is a critical step forward, and we applaud Senator Smith and Senator Rubio for their leadership,” said Simar Bajaj and Dr. Chi-Fu Jeffrey Yang, leaders of the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative.
You can read a copy of the resolution here.
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