ICYMI: Boyle Celebrates House Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Address Lung Cancer in Women, Urges Senate Action

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) today joined physicians, advocates, and patients at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Northeast Philadelphia to mark the unanimous House passage of his bipartisan Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act and call on the Senate to swiftly take up the legislation. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death among women in the United States, even as overall cancer rates have declined.

"I am proud to say that we are here today to celebrate the fact that a few days ago, the House of Representatives on a bipartisan basis passed my bill, the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act," said Congressman Boyle. "Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. There's a remarkable lack of knowledge as to why. That is why more federal resources are needed in this area."

This year alone, approximately 118,000 women are expected to be diagnosed and more than 61,000 are expected to die from the disease-nearly 170 women every day. These numbers underscore a persistent disparity that continues to impact families across the country and highlight the urgent need for more research, awareness, and early detection.

Boyle's bipartisan legislation, co-led by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) directs the Department of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, to conduct a comprehensive review of research on women and lung cancer, including access to preventive services, while strengthening public awareness so more women understand their risk and seek screening earlier.

Boyle was joined by leadership from Fox Chase Cancer Center-Temple Health, as well as advocates and patients from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the American Lung Association, and GO2 for Lung Cancer, many of whom have been directly impacted by lung cancer and have helped lead the push for this legislation.

"Thank you to Congressman Brendan Boyle and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick for your leadership and for your steadfast support," said Dr. Stacey Su, Chief of Thoracic Surgery at Fox Chase Cancer Center. "Improving our understanding of lung cancer in women and expanding access to screening programs like the Temple Healthy Chest Initiative require sustained national commitment. It requires investment in research, in data, and in systems so that we can have a chance to reach patients before it may be too late. This is why this remarkable bipartisan act matters."

The bill has been endorsed by a broad coalition of leading health and patient advocacy organizations, including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the American Lung Association, GO2 for Lung Cancer, the American College of Radiology, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the Prevent Cancer Foundation, the National Patient Advocate Foundation, LUNGevity Foundation, and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

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