Expressing support for the designation of May as "National Bladder Cancer Awareness Month".

Bill Number: H.Res. 392
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Health
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-05-06: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Last Updated: 2026-04-07T20:35:10Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 392) expresses the support of the U.S. House of Representatives for designating May as "National Bladder Cancer Awareness Month." Its main goal is to raise public awareness about bladder cancer, highlight its impacts, and encourage actions to promote early detection, research, and support for affected individuals.

Key Provisions

Background Facts ("Whereas" Clauses): The resolution outlines key statistics and insights about bladder cancer, including:
It affects over 800,000 families in the U.S., with an estimated 84,870 new diagnoses in 2025 (over 230 daily), and 17,420 deaths.
It impacts people regardless of age, sex, or race, ranking among the top 7 most diagnosed cancers overall and top 4 for veterans.
Early diagnosis makes it highly treatable, but survival rates drop with later detection; symptoms like blood in urine are recognizable but often ignored.
Major causes include smoking and exposure to carcinogenic chemicals; higher rates occur in firefighters, veterans, and seniors.
It's one of the most expensive cancers to treat, with a 50-80% recurrence rate requiring lifelong monitoring.
Women are often diagnosed later and have worse outcomes than men at the same stage.
Limited treatment advances in the past 30 years; survival depends on new research from government and private sources.
References to the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022, which expands VA treatments for veterans exposed to burn pit toxins, and historical experiences with Vietnam veterans exposed to chemicals like Agent Orange.
Acknowledges funding from Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs and the National Institutes of Health for high-risk research.
Highlights community events in May, such as awareness walks, and the 20-year role of the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network in education, support, and funding research.
Actions ("Resolved" Section): The House:
Supports the designation of May as "National Bladder Cancer Awareness Month."
Endorses the month's goals and ideals.
Urges the public, groups, researchers, and affected individuals to:
Promote awareness of bladder cancer's effects on patients, families, caregivers, and communities.
Actively participate in efforts to combat the disease.
Observe the month with ceremonies and activities.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It builds on prior legislation like the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 by referencing expanded veteran care but does not amend it.

Potential Impacts

On Citizens: Increases public knowledge of bladder cancer symptoms, risks, and treatments, potentially leading to earlier diagnoses and better outcomes for the 84,870 expected new cases in 2025. It may reduce stigma and encourage proactive health behaviors, especially among high-risk groups like smokers, firefighters, veterans, and seniors.
On Government Agencies: Encourages the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) to maintain focus on research and care, aligning with existing funding for veteran toxin-related treatments. No new mandates or funding are required.
On International Relations: None; the resolution is domestic-focused on U.S. health awareness and research.
Broader Effects: Could indirectly boost private and federal research funding and community events, improving quality of life for patients through better support resources.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Patients and Families: Over 800,000 U.S. families living with bladder cancer, including the estimated 17,420 who may die annually; emphasis on women, who face later diagnoses.
High-Risk Groups: Veterans (top 4 cancer for them, with expanded VA care under PACT Act), firefighters, seniors, and those exposed to chemicals or smoke.
Advocacy and Research Communities: Organizations like the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network; federal programs such as NIH and Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs.
Healthcare Providers and Caregivers: Impacted by calls for awareness to promote early treatment and lifelong surveillance.
General Public: Encouraged to participate in awareness activities to support prevention and research.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and requires no presidential approval or Senate concurrence. It serves as a symbolic endorsement without enforceable obligations.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in promoting public health and welfare under the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8), but imposes no regulatory changes.
Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by members from both parties) for health awareness initiatives, potentially influencing future appropriations for cancer research. It highlights ongoing commitments to veterans' care and could foster collaboration between government, nonprofits, and industry without partisan controversy.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Murphy, Gregory F. [R-NC-3]

Cosponsors (9)

Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Scott, David [D-GA-13], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11]

Recent Actions

2025-05-06: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
2025-05-06: Submitted in House
2025-05-06: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

Expressing support for the designation of May as "National Bladder Cancer Awareness Month". — issued 2025-05-06 — PDF (4 pages)