Recognizing that cancer patients have the right to receive care that ensures effective prevention, early diagnosis, improved outcomes, optimal patient rehabilitation, and affordable health care.

[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1514 Introduced in House (IH)]

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118th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 1514

 Recognizing that cancer patients have the right to receive care that 
   ensures effective prevention, early diagnosis, improved outcomes, 
      optimal patient rehabilitation, and affordable health care.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           September 25, 2024

Mrs. Napolitano (for herself, Ms. Barragan, and Ms. Chu) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and 
                                Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Recognizing that cancer patients have the right to receive care that 
   ensures effective prevention, early diagnosis, improved outcomes, 
      optimal patient rehabilitation, and affordable health care.

Whereas most individuals in the United States are affected by cancer in some 
        way;
Whereas, according to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 40.5 percent 
        of individuals in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer during 
        their lifetimes;
Whereas, according to the National Cancer Institute, in 2024, an estimated 
        14,910 children and adolescents (ages 0 to 19) were diagnosed with 
        cancer, and 1,590 will die of the disease;
Whereas, according to the American Cancer Society, in 2024, there will be an 
        estimated 2,001,140 new cancer cases and 611,720 cancer deaths in the 
        United States;
Whereas, according to the National Cancer Institute, there were an estimated 
        18,100,000 cancer survivors in the United States as of January 2022, and 
        the number of cancer survivors is expected to increase to 22,500,000 by 
        2032;
Whereas remarkable advances in cancer research, clinical trials, and targeted 
        treatments are creating better outcomes for patients affected by cancer;
Whereas, unfortunately, many cancer patients do not benefit from these treatment 
        advances due to racial and socioeconomic disparities, structural 
        barriers to care, and lack of information in a culturally appropriate 
        and understandable language;
Whereas the best chance for a cure begins with early detection, rapid access to 
        expert treatment and surveillance, use of appropriate testing, and 
        timely access to advanced and subspecialty care;
Whereas access to multidisciplinary cancer care, including supportive and 
        palliative care, while undergoing treatment can significantly improve 
        outcomes, symptom management, and survival for patients;
Whereas there are many ways to help reduce the risk of developing cancer, which 
        can include smoking cessation, engaging in regular exercise, reducing 
        alcohol consumption, effective weight management, preventive cancer 
        vaccines, and regular cancer screenings;
Whereas cancer is a unique illness because patients and families are asked to 
        quickly make life-defining decisions;
Whereas, in addition to the physical problem brought on by cancer, cancer can 
        cause immense emotional distress and high costs of care for both the 
        patient and their families;
Whereas, even if these decisions are effective, they may result in lifelong 
        complications; and
Whereas patients and their families are too often left to make decisions without 
        the partnership of a cancer expert with whom they can discuss needs, 
        fears, and hopes for the future: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives supports the rights of 
cancer patients to--
            (1) receive care that ensures effective prevention, early 
        diagnosis, improved outcomes, optimal patient rehabilitation, 
        and affordable health care;
            (2) have the ability to access the latest research and 
        treatments for their specific type of cancer at academic cancer 
        centers and/or National Cancer Institute-designated 
        comprehensive cancer centers, which can best manage complex 
        cancers and offer advanced precision medicine and genomic 
        therapies;
            (3) have access to relevant diagnostic testing, treatments, 
        clinical trials, medical research, cutting-edge innovation, and 
        effective survivorship care;
            (4) have access to multidisciplinary cancer care, including 
        early access to supportive and palliative care while undergoing 
        treatment, including care that addresses pain, emotional, and 
        overall health needs; and
            (5) have access to a proactive voice that provides informed 
        and accurate information about a diagnosis in a culturally 
        appropriate and understandable language.
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