On November 21st, 2024, S.Res.912, which designates November 2024 as National Lung Cancer Awareness Month and expresses support for the early detection and treatment of lung cancer through lung screening was passed by unanimous consent in the U.S. Senate. U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) led the effort to introduce this bipartisan resolution into the U.S. Senate, alongside U.S. Senators Reed (D-RI), Grassley (R-IA), Capito (R-WV), and Durbin (D-IL), Hirono (D-HI).

 

The passage of S.Res.912 in the U.S. Senate represents a significant step forward to increase awareness of lung cancer and lung cancer screening in the U.S. In 2024 alone, it is estimated that 234,580 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer and 125,070 will die from lung cancer. Increasing the number of lung cancers diagnosed at earlier stages through lung cancer screening can lead to tens of thousands of American lives saved every year. Despite this, screening rates are still low and barriers to getting screened for lung cancer are still prevalent. 

 

The American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative worked closely with Senator Smith and her office to draft S.Res.912. As a leading organization working to increase awareness of and access to lung cancer screening, we are proud to support this resolution illustrating the importance of lung cancer screening. The passage of S.Res.912 marks the fifth year the U.S. Senate has recognized the importance of the early detection of lung cancer through screening. Of note, S.Res.912 builds upon last year's resolution to specifically emphasize the need for efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding lung cancer and improving access to lung cancer screening among high-risk and minority populations. We are committed to working to achieve more widespread awareness of and access to lung cancer screening. Furthermore, we are committed to increasing screening eligibility for more high-risk Americans that are currently ineligible for screening, including former smokers who quit smoking more than 15 years ago and never smokers with additional risk factors, such as a family history of lung cancer.

 

We are deeply grateful for the leadership of Senator Smith and the support of Senators Reed, Grassley, Capito, Durbin, and Hirono to increase awareness of lung cancer and lung cancer screening. We are committed to continuing the important work of collaborating with leaders and communities at the national, state, and local levels to achieve the goals outlined in S.Res.912.

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You can read a copy of the resolution here.