“For Too Long, Our Health Care System Has Focused on Treating Illness After the Fact Instead of Preventing It.”
Highlights the Life-Saving Role of Early Detection and Prevention in Reducing Cancer's Long-Term Impact
WASHINGTON — Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, recently joined Congressman Max Miller in introducing a resolution recognizing Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month, calling on Congress to reaffirm its commitment to expanding access to life-saving screenings and reducing the long-term burden of cancer on American families.
Joining Buchanan and Miller in co-leading the resolution are Reps. Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Terri Sewell (D-Ala.) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.).
“Cancer touches nearly every family in America, and too many lives are lost because it isn’t caught early,” said Buchanan. “For too long, our health care system has focused on treating illness after the fact instead of preventing it. We must shift to prevention and early detection, giving patients more time, hope and options. Catching cancer early saves lives and reduces costs. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution to raise awareness. I will keep fighting to ensure every American has access to lifesaving screenings and tools.”
“With more than two million cancer diagnoses expected this year, we have a responsibility to act,” said Miller. “Early detection saves lives. This resolution reinforces our commitment to expanding access to screenings, promoting prevention, and ensuring that every American has the opportunity to catch cancer early, when it is most treatable. Cancer does not discriminate. By working together, we can raise awareness, expand access, and move closer to a future where cancer is caught earlier, treated more effectively, and ultimately prevented.”
“Too many families, including my own, have endured the pain of a cancer diagnosis that came too late,” said Fitzpatrick. “We cannot accept that as inevitable. Prevention, early detection, and strong investment in research are not peripheral to this fight—they are central to it. This resolution reflects a bipartisan commitment to act earlier, widen access to timely screening, and ensure more Americans have the benefit of earlier intervention and better outcomes.”
“Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month is a reminder that we can save lives by acting early, investing in innovation, and ensuring people have access to the proper cancer screenings,” said Sewell. “That is why I was proud to champion the Nancy Gardner Sewell Multi-Cancer Early Detection Act, which was recently signed into law. As we mark this month, I remain committed to strengthening access to preventive care and supporting the scientific advances that bring us closer to a future where fewer families have to face a cancer diagnosis.”
“Almost 18 years ago, I heard the harrowing words, ‘you have breast cancer.’ Since my diagnosis, I've done all I can to make sure everyone can access lifesaving screenings,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Nobody should miss their chance at survival because they couldn't see a doctor. This bipartisan resolution reaffirms our steadfast commitment to promoting early detection and preventing cancer before it can ever take hold.”
With over 2 million cases of cancer diagnosed in 2025, the resolution underscores that prevention and early detection play a critical role in reducing the burden of cancer and improving long-term health outcomes for all Americans. Access to diagnosis at earlier, more treatable stages decreases the need for intensive intervention, supporting patients while lowering overall health care costs. Through collaboration and dedication, Congress can ensure that the life-saving benefits of modern cancer detection reach every American.
Original cosponsors include Reps. Aaron Bean (R-Fla.), Mike Carey (R-Ohio), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Carol Miller (R-W.Va.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Maria Salazar (R-Fla.) and Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.).
The resolution is supported by the Prevent Cancer Foundation, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and ZERO Prostate Cancer.
"Prevention and early detection are among the most effective ways to reduce the burden of cancer in our nation,” said Jody Hoyos, CEO, Prevent Cancer Foundation. “Routine screenings can lead to better outcomes, more treatment options, and more time with loved ones. This bipartisan resolution reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to these lifesaving tools and ensuring every American has the opportunity to detect cancer early and stay ahead of the disease.”
“We have made significant progress reducing breast cancer deaths over the last three decades thanks in large part to improved access to breast cancer screening and early detection,” said Molly Guthrie, vice president of policy and advocacy, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. “We applaud the leadership of this bipartisan group of lawmakers in recognizing the important role early detection plays and the work that remains to reduce the burden of cancer across our nation by ensuring access to early detection for all.”
“We know that the earlier you catch a cancer, the more likely you are to cure it,” said Theodoros N. Teknos, MD, President, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center. “Unfortunately, many cancers are detected in later stages, and it's much more difficult to cure a cancer when you catch it in an advanced stage. University Hospitals has invested heavily in early cancer detection because we know it’s critically important that we make early screening for cancer accessible to all.”
“Cancer prevention and early detection save lives—and they save healthcare costs,” said W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD PhD, CEO, James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute & Director, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Recognizing April as Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month affirms that everyone deserves the best possible cancer care, no matter where they live. Raising awareness and national attention is a critical step toward earlier diagnosis, better outcomes, and stronger, healthier communities.”
In addition to being the Vice Chairman and most senior Republican on the powerful U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, Buchanan is also the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, which has broad jurisdiction over traditional Medicare, the Medicare prescription drug benefit program and Medicare Advantage. Buchanan has been a longtime champion of prevention and early detection, including introducing the Lung Cancer Screening and Prevention Act(H.R. 1405) to expand access to lung cancer screenings and the ASAP Act (H.R. 6130), which would expand access to blood-based biomarker testing and improve early diagnosis for patients.
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