Rep. María Elvira Salazar Joins Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize April as Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in introducing a resolution to officially recognize April as Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month.

The resolution highlights the critical importance of early diagnosis, preventive care, and expanded access to life-saving screenings for all Americans.With more than two million new cancer diagnoses expected in the United States this year, the resolution calls for a renewed national commitment to education and the removal of barriers to routine screenings.

Representative Salazar was joined in introducing the resolution by a broad bipartisan coalition, including Representatives Max Miller (OH-07), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL).

"In South Florida, we know that family is everything, it is the heartbeat of our community. But you cannot protect your family if you are blindsided by a diagnosis that came too late because you didn't have access to a simple screening" said Rep. Salazar. "This resolution isn't just about healthcare policy; its about giving our families the fighting chance they deserve so they can live longer. We are drawing a line in the sand: no more excuses, no more barriers, and no more losing our loved ones to a preventable tragedy."

"With more than two million cancer diagnoses expected this year, we have a responsibility to act," said Congressman Max 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."

"Cancer touches nearly every family in America, and too many lives are lost because it isn't caught early," said Congressman 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."

"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. 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," said Congresswoman Sewell.

"Too many families, including my own, have endured the pain of a cancer diagnosis that came too late. 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," said Congressman Fitzpatrick.

"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 Congresswoman 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."

"Prevention and early detection are among the most effective ways to reduce the burden of cancer in our nation. 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," said Jody Hoyos, CEO, Prevent Cancer Foundation.

"Early detection is one of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against prostate cancer, but only if every man has equal access to screening and care. ZERO Prostate Cancer strongly supports the Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month Resolution because it recognizes that reducing the burden of cancer requires both medical

innovation and a commitment to health equity. We commend Congressman Miller and the bipartisan coalition of co-leads: Representatives Terri Sewell, Brian Fitzpatrick, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Vern Buchanan, and Debbie Dingell, and others for their leadership in ensuring that the life-saving benefits of early detection reach all Americans, regardless of their zip code," said Courtney Bugler, President and CEO, ZERO Prostate Cancer

"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. 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," said Molly Guthrie, vice president of policy and advocacy for Susan G. Komen.

"We know that the earlier you catch a cancer, the more likely you are to cure it. 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," said Theodoros N. Teknos, MD, President, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center.

"Cancer prevention and early detection save lives-and they save healthcare costs. 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," said W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD PhD, CEO, James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute & Director, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The resolution calls for a renewed national commitment to:

• Expanding Education: Increasing public awareness regarding cancer prevention and lifestyle risk factors.
• Increasing Access: Ensuring routine screenings and early detection tools are available to underserved communities.
• Supporting Innovation: Advancing new technologies, including multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests.
• Breaking Barriers: Addressing cost, coverage gaps, and lack of awareness that prevent patients from seeking timely care.

The initiative is supported by leading national advocacy organizations, including the Prevent Cancer Foundation, Susan G. Komen, ZERO Prostate Cancer, and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

You can read the resolution text here.

Representative Salazar represents Florida's 27th Congressional District. She has been a consistent advocate for strengthening healthcare access and supporting medical research that improves health outcomes for the South Florida community.