Boyle, Fitzpatrick, Smith, Capito Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Study and Prevent Lung Cancer Among Women

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA-02) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) have introduced the bipartisan Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act. A companion bill was also introduced in the Senate by Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).

This legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services-working in consultation with the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs-to conduct a comprehensive interagency review of lung cancer in women. The review will assess current research, evaluate women's access to preventive services, and support public awareness campaigns. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women and disproportionately affects women who have never smoked.

"Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among women, yet the decline in incidence and mortality rates for women continues to lag behind those for men," said Congressman Boyle. "Every eight minutes, a woman in the United States loses her life to this disease. That is unacceptable. This bipartisan legislation takes an important step toward addressing this disparity by strengthening research, improving access to preventive services, and raising public awareness. We must ensure that every American-regardless of gender-benefits equally from the progress we've made in combating lung cancer. The time to act is now."

"Every day, American women valiantly battle for their health against lung cancer - Congress needs to be fully committed to ending the inequities that have left too many women in my community and across the nation vulnerable to this devastating disease," said Congressman Fitzpatrick. "This legislation represents a decisive step forward in advancing groundbreaking research, improving prevention, and ensuring access to lifesaving care for women battling lung cancer. I implore my colleagues to recognize the urgency of this fight and stand united to deliver real progress for women's health across our nation."

"Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women, and increasingly, even women who don't smoke develop lung cancer," said Senator Smith. "This bill is an important step to help us address the root causes of lung cancer in women. More research is necessary to raise public awareness and advance lung cancer screenings, diagnosis, and treatments. I'll continue to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make progress in the fight against cancer."

"As a state, West Virginia is disproportionately impacted by lung cancer. While our numbers have improved in recent years, we must continue to expand both preventive efforts, as well as management. I'm proud to join my colleagues to once again support this legislation that will work to improve treatment and prevention of lung cancer in women," said Senator Capito.

"This week's reintroduction of the bi-partisan bi-cameral Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2025 builds on the momentum established last Congress with a renewed commitment to accelerate life-saving change for women impacted by lung cancer," said GO2 for Lung Cancer President & CEO, Laurie Fenton Ambrose. "Thank you, Representatives Boyle (D-PA) and Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Senators Smith (D-MN) and Capito (R-WVA) for your continued leadership to advance this vital legislation for women and the general public. With your leadership we can gain a better understanding of lung cancer's unique and devasting impact on women and drive more effective therapies and prevention strategies that will forever change the trajectory of this disease for all."

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