Congress sets spending priorities for funding the federal government. Our key legislative priorities involve spending—and thus we are focused on asking members of Congress to support the lung cancer community. Our advocates (that’s you!) can make all the difference when you tell your lung cancer story and urge elected officials to support lifesaving cancer research. Be an advocate and help us confront lung cancer today.
Join our community to advocate for:
Federal funding for lung cancer research
Your advocacy was instrumental in establishing the Lung Cancer Research Program within the Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program. This is the largest lung cancer research program—public or private—outside of the National Cancer Institute. It has received $175.5 million since FY09, funding research into risk assessment, prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship. Thanks to your efforts, we’ve learned more about biomarkers, cutting-edge immunotherapies, and targeted tests and treatments.
This year, we’re asking Congress for $60 million in funding to address gaps in lung cancer research.
Women and lung cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. It is estimated that every day, 164 women die from the disease—one every 8.8 minutes. The American Cancer Society estimates that 59,910 women will die of lung cancer in 2023. And women who never smoked are more than twice as likely to get lung cancer than men who never smoked. Yet lung cancer receives the least amount of research funding of the major cancers affecting women. That’s why we support legislation to increase research on women and lung cancer, improve access to lung cancer preventive services, and launch a national public awareness and education campaign on lung cancer.
This year, we’re urging Congress to #SaveHerLungs and support the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2023 (H.R. 4534 /S. 2245).
Screening and early detection
Finding lung cancer at its earliest, most treatable, manageable, and curable stage is our core priority. Currently, a low-dose CT scan is the only method to detect and diagnose lung cancer early, but multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests have the potential to find more than one cancer through a single sample of blood. This is a lifesaving method of early detection for millions at risk for lung cancer. Our work is to ensure that all those at risk have access to high-quality screening and care close to home.
We’re supporting the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening Coverage Act (H.R. 2407) which would allow the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to initiate a coverage process for MCED tests once approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In addition to legislation, we’re also calling on federal agencies to expand the risk criteria to include more people who are at risk because of occupational exposures or family histories, so they also have equitable and affordable access to this lifesaving benefit.
Support our nation’s Veterans
People who served in the military, especially those who served in combat, are at higher risk for lung cancer than civilians. We are committed to ensuring that Veterans get the help, support, information and access to care they need to detect the disease at early curable stages, improve quality of life, and advance research and advocacy efforts to save lives. Your advocacy has helped achieve milestones for Veterans including the Burn Pits Accountability Act, the Lung Cancer Research Program within the CDMRP, the VALOR trial, and most recently, the PACT Act.
Congressional Lung Cancer Caucus
The Congressional Lung Cancer Caucus serves as a clearinghouse of information to aid Members of Congress in their understanding of the issues surrounding those who are living with and at risk for lung cancer. This caucus helps educate and inform Members on issues specifically related to eliminating the stigma, reducing mortality, improving survivorship, furthering research, ensuring equitable access to screening and care, and more.
This Congress, we're supporting Representative Brendan Boyle (D-PA-02) to re-establish and grow the lung cancer caucus.
State Cancer Plans
State comprehensive cancer control (CCC) plans serve as a guide on how states address the burden of cancer in their area. These plans include area-specific data about the most common types of cancer and mortality rates. The states or organizations develop strategies to create a blueprint for action. The Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that state cancer plans have goals, objectives, strategies, stakeholder involvement, a method for reducing cancer disparities, and a plan for evaluating desired outcomes. In an analysis of all state CCC plans, we’ve identified plans with gaps in lung cancer-specific objectives and strategies and plans that included best practice language.
Biomarker testing coverage and reimbursement
We strongly support and promote precision medicine to remove barriers, including prior authorizations to access specialty care and comprehensive biomarker testing. To strengthen and coordinate our advocacy efforts, we’ve partnered with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and other health advocacy groups to implement a comprehensive biomarker campaign. The campaign aims to reduce health disparities by ensuring equitable access to biomarker testing and improving coverage for and access to testing across insurance types nationwide.
As we move forward, we will be working with our partners to build awareness and improve access to both biomarker testing and precision medicine. We’ll also push for greater access to and diversity within clinical trials.
Our policy letters
Policy positions that we’re taking this year in response to proposed legislative and regulatory actions that impact lung cancer patients and survivors.
GO2 Comments on IPAY 2028
GO2, as a member of the National Health Council (NHC), submitted comments on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) draft guidance for the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program for Initial Price Applicability Year (IPAY) 2028.
GO2 Calls On Congress to Reject Cuts to NIH
GO2 requested that Congress reject any cuts to NIH and instead work with the Administration on a different path forward, one that sets the stage for unprecedented medical progress as our nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
GO2 Calls on Chair of House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee to Oppose Elimination of the Radon Program and the State Indoor Radon Grant Program
GO2 supports full funding for the Radon Program and the State and Tribes Indoor Radon Grant programs. Such action will affirm continued progress toward fulfilling the goal that indoor air should be as free of radon as outdoor air.
GO2 Rejects Health Policies that Devalue and Ration Care for Any American
GO2 signed an open letter strongly opposing policies that rely on discriminatory, one-size-fits-all value metrics such as the Quality-Adjusted Life Year, or QALY.
GO2 Urges CMS to Protect Beneficiaries
GO2 submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) urging the agency to take action to protect Medicare beneficiaries’ access to necessary treatments.
GO2 Expresses Concern on ACIP Dismissals
GO2, as a member of the National Health Council (NHC), sent a letter to HHS Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., expressing concern and disappointment regarding the recent decision to dismiss and retire all members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
GO2 Emphasizes the Importance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of Cancer Prevention and Control’s (DCPC)
GO2 emphasizes the vital importance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of Cancer Prevention and Control’s (DCPC) work in protecting and improving America’s health and reducing the burden of chronic disease.
GO2 Expresses Support for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Environmental Health
GO2 strongly opposes the administration’s efforts to eliminate programs within the center, including those related to asthma prevention, childhood lead poisoning prevention, environmental health tracking, water safety, food safety, air quality, emergency response to natural disasters and climate-related events, and understanding the health impacts of radiation exposure.
GO2 Urges Adequate Funding of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
GO2 encourages Congress to enhance the agency’s ability to respond to emergencies and community requests for assistance, fund state and local health departments, and protect the nation’s health.
GO2 Urges Against Tariffs on Pharmaceuticals
GO2, as a member of the National Health Council (NHC), submitted comments to the Department of Commerce, strongly urging to avoid recommending tariffs on pharmaceutical imports and inputs.
GO2 Submits Comments on Most Favored Nation Pricing
GO2, as a member of the National Health Council (NHC), submitted comments regarding the Most Favored Nation (MFN) pricing Executive Order.
GO2 Encourages Prioritizing Patient Engagement in Health Care Policymaking
As the 119th Congress considers policy solutions to make treatments more affordable and accessible for patients around the country, GO2 urges Congress to prioritize a patient-centered approach to ensure that patient, survivor, and caregiver perspectives are considered and integrated into policies that will most impact them.
Letter to Secretary Kennedy Concerning HHS Restructuring
GO2, as a member of the National Health Council, sent a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressing deep concern over HHS restructuring and reducing staffing in key health agencies.
GO2 Opposes Funding Cuts to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
GO2 strongly opposes any efforts to cut funding, dismantle critical CDC centers or programs, or attach damaging policy riders to the FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill, all of which would threaten the health and well-being of communities nationwide.
GO2 Urges Patient-Centered Approach
GO2 urges Congress to prioritize a patient-centered approach to ensure that patient, survivor, and caregiver perspectives are considered and integrated into policies that will most impact them.
GO2 Urges Congress to Establish Permanent or Long-term Access to Telehealth
GO2 for Lung Cancer requested Congressional leadership to ensure that Americans can access the same telehealth services in the future as they were able to utilize in 2024. We strongly urged Congress to act in March to establish permanent or long-term access to telehealth.
GO2 Opposes Any Reduction or Elimination of the Prevention and Public Health Fund (Prevention Fund)
GO2 for Lung Cancer opposes any reduction or elimination of the Prevention and Public Health Fund (Prevention Fund) during the budget reconciliation process. The Prevention Fund provides critical funding to every state and territory, as well as cities and tribes, to promote residents’ health and prevent epidemics.
GO2 Supports Strong FDA Oversight and CDC Resources for Tobacco Prevention
GO2 for Lung Cancer supports ensuring the FDA retains full authority to regulate tobacco products and that the CDC receives adequate resources to protect youth and reduce tobacco-related disease.
GO2 Advocates for Medicare Patient Access and Affordability
GO2 joined other organizations in submitting comments to CMS regarding the agency’s proposed rule for contract year (CY) 2026 policy and technical changes to Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D, which was published on December 10, 2024.
Tips and resources
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