Expressing support for the designation of November 2025 as "National Lung Cancer Awareness Month" and expressing support for early detection and treatment of lung cancer.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 960
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-18: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-05T15:43:19Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 960) aims to express congressional support for designating November 2025 as "National Lung Cancer Awareness Month." It also promotes early detection and treatment of lung cancer by highlighting its prevalence, risks, disparities, and the need for awareness, education, and research.
Key Provisions
- Background Facts ("Whereas" Clauses): The resolution outlines statistics and challenges related to lung cancer, including:
- It is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., surpassing colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers combined.
- In 2025, an estimated 226,650 new diagnoses and 124,730 deaths (about 340 per day).
- Lifetime risk: 1 in 16 men and 1 in 17 women.
- Higher impact on women (more deaths than breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers combined) and Black men (highest incidence and mortality rates).
- Smoking causes most cases (about 109,100 deaths in 2025), with secondhand smoke adding over 7,300 deaths annually; 10-20% of cases occur in never-smokers, with rates rising.
- Veterans face a 25% higher risk, yet only 3% of eligible veterans get screened despite 1-2 million at elevated risk.
- Survival rates: 67% for localized detection vs. 12% for distant spread.
- Screening gaps: 14.5 million recommended in 2021, but only 16% screened; barriers include limited facilities, transportation, and low awareness (62% unfamiliar with low-dose CT scans).
- Stigma hinders diagnosis, treatment, research, and quality of life.
- Advances in biomarker testing, immunotherapies, and targeted therapies improve outcomes, but access is uneven.
- Actions Supported ("Resolved" Section):
- Supports "National Lung Cancer Awareness Month," "National Women's Lung Cancer Awareness Week," and "National Lung Cancer Screening Day."
- Promotes awareness, education, and research on risk factor mitigation, screening, treatment, and lung cancer in minorities and never-smokers.
- Encourages U.S. citizens to participate in awareness and educational activities during the month.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no legal changes or enforceable requirements. It serves as a symbolic expression of support rather than amending any statutes.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: May increase public awareness of lung cancer risks, screening options (like low-dose CT scans, a quick imaging test using low radiation), and the importance of early detection, potentially leading to more screenings and better health outcomes, especially for high-risk groups like smokers, never-smokers, women, minorities, and veterans.
- On Government Agencies: Could indirectly encourage agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services or Veterans Affairs to prioritize lung cancer education and screening programs, though no funding or mandates are specified.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as it focuses on domestic public health awareness.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Individuals at Risk: Smokers, never-smokers, women, racial minorities (e.g., Black men), and veterans, who face higher incidence, mortality, or screening barriers.
- Patients and Families: Those affected by lung cancer stigma, limited access to advanced diagnostics/treatments, or late diagnoses.
- Healthcare Providers and Researchers: Benefiting from promoted education and research on screening, biomarkers (biological indicators for diagnosis), and therapies.
- General Public: Encouraged to engage in awareness activities to reduce stigma and improve early detection rates.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None significant, as resolutions like this are ceremonial and do not create law or infringe on rights; they align with Congress's power to express policy preferences under Article I.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by Reps. Boyle and Lawler) for public health initiatives, potentially influencing future funding or legislation on cancer research and disparities without partisan controversy. It highlights equity issues in healthcare access, which could shape broader policy discussions.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-2]
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-18: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-12-18: Submitted in House
- 2025-12-18: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of November 2025 as "National Lung Cancer Awareness Month" and expressing support for early detection and treatment of lung cancer. — issued 2025-12-18 — PDF (4 pages)