H.Res. 1196

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1196 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1196

Recognizing April as Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month.

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IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 20, 2026

Mr. Miller of Ohio (for himself, Ms. Sewell, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Ms. 
Wasserman Schultz, Mr. Buchanan, Mrs. Dingell, Mr. Arrington, Mr. 
Moulton, Ms. Tenney, Ms. Salazar, Mrs. Miller of West Virginia, Mr. 
Lawler, Mr. Bean of Florida, and Mr. Carey) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

RESOLUTION

Recognizing April as Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month.

Whereas a renewed national commitment to disease prevention and early detection 
can play a transformative role in reducing the burden of cancer in the 
United States and improving long-term health outcomes for all Americans;
Whereas, although overall cancer mortality rates across the United States have 
declined thanks to advances in early detection and treatment, persistent 
gaps in cancer screening exist and must be addressed to safeguard human 
life and public health in the Nation;
Whereas access to cancer diagnoses at earlier, more treatable stages decreases 
the need for intensive intervention, abating overall healthcare costs 
and most importantly safeguarding human life, in tandem with 
technological innovation and unprecedented public awareness;
Whereas, with over 2,000,000 cases of cancer diagnosed in 2025, the United 
States has an opportunity, through collaboration and dedication, to 
ensure that the life-saving benefits of modern cancer detection reach 
every American;
Whereas early cancer detection practices in the United States, including routine 
medical visits and screenings, must be advanced, including by addressing 
obstacles in access to care stemming from a lack of knowledge of the 
benefits of screening, cost concerns, and other factors in the Nation's 
health care system;
Whereas research shows that up to 50 percent of cancer cases, and about 50 
percent of cancer deaths, are preventable with the knowledge available 
to Americans today;
Whereas preventive actions, including understanding family health history, 
accessing risk-based screenings, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol 
use, protecting skin, increasing physical activity, maintaining a 
balanced diet, reducing exposure to cancer-related infections, and 
receiving recommended vaccinations, can significantly reduce cancer risk 
and improve early-detection outcomes;
Whereas gaps in screening access affect every aspect of a patient's cancer 
journey, from prevention and early detection to diagnosis and successful 
treatment, and individuals who are disproportionately impacted or 
medically underserved often encounter unique challenges in pursuing 
care, including limited provider access, gaps in coverage, and lack of 
care;
Whereas improving early cancer detection necessitates ensuring access to 
enhanced monitoring and interventions that can reduce that risk for 
those with known risk factors;
Whereas many individuals today are diagnosed with cancer at later stages, 
leading to significantly more impactful and consequential outcomes, 
higher healthcare costs for all, and thousands of additional lives lost 
to late-stage cancers, all of which could be avoided through timely 
screening and intervention;
Whereas cancer does not discriminate, impacting a range of socio-economic 
populations and reaching people under 50 years old at rising rates;
Whereas Federal investment in early detection programs, especially those that 
focus on increasing screening rates in hard-to-serve populations, plays 
a pivotal role in tackling barriers to care that too many individuals 
still face;
Whereas cancer reaches even those with broad public visibility in society, 
highlighting the need for elevated awareness and action;
Whereas Federal agencies play an essential role in shaping the regulatory and 
administrative landscape for cancer screenings and early detection in 
the evaluation of technologies, providing streamlined approval of cancer 
products and access to novel medications and treatments;
Whereas dedicated stakeholder advocates, medical professionals, researchers, and 
policymakers working together can ensure that early detection of cancer 
saves lives and reduces long-standing health consequences; and
Whereas April has been recognized as Cancer Prevention and Early Detection 
Month: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports the goals and ideals of Cancer Prevention and 
Early Detection Month;
(2) affirms a renewed national commitment to education on 
disease prevention and an emphasis on the reduction of chronic 
illness that will play a transformative role in reducing the 
burden of cancer and improving long-term health outcomes for 
all Americans; and
(3) commends groundbreaking multi-cancer early detection 
efforts, paving a path forward to bring lifesaving innovation 
to Americans and the ability to move closer to a future where 
cancer is preventable and detectable and the Nation is 
ultimately cancer-free.
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