Why your advocacy is important
Lung cancer advocacy is essential for increased lung cancer research funding, access to screening, new treatment options, improved quality of life, and much more. Members of Congress want to hear from their constituents to decide what their priorities are. They need to hear from people like you who are impacted by lung cancer. Your story helps put a face to the disease—and ultimately drive change for millions impacted by lung cancer.
What we’ve accomplished together
For nearly 2 decades, GO2 has united lung cancer survivors, caregivers, loved ones, and healthcare professionals to relentlessly confront lung cancer. Together, we’ve become a powerful force for lung cancer advocacy and lifesaving breakthroughs. We could not have reached these milestones without our community of strong, dedicated advocates like you!
Lung cancer: a national health priority
Our earliest advocacy priority: gaining formal recognition of lung cancer as a national health priority. Beginning in 2005, we worked with lawmakers to introduce bipartisan legislation calling for a more compassionate and comprehensive plan to address all aspects of lung cancer. Our efforts culminated in the passage of the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act, signed into law in 2013. The legislation required the federal government to develop a plan of action to coordinate prevention, early detection and treatment research to reduce the mortality rate for lung cancer.
Women and lung cancer
GO2 for Lung Cancer recognized early that more attention was needed on women and lung cancer, including access to screening and improved treatments. The first report, “Out of the Shadows,” put a spotlight on the issue and led to the first legislation related to women and lung cancer which was introduced in Congress in 2016.
Passing the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act remains a key focus of our advocacy efforts to date. Our #SaveHerLungs campaign has helped keep the issue front and center for many lawmakers. The Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2023 (H.R. 4534 /S. 2245) was introduced in July of 2023 with bipartisan and bicameral support.
Veterans and lung cancer
Lung cancer has a disproportionately higher impact on Veterans than the civilian population. As a result, GO2 for Lung Cancer has historically partnered with Veteran organizations, including the Department of Veteran Affairs, to improve outcomes. Most notably, GO2 joined with Veterans’ organizations to advocate for passage of the PACT Act to provide needed care and benefits to veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. The legislation was passed by Congress and signed into law in 2022. It will, for the first time, make it easier for Veterans to obtain needed health care benefits.
Affordable care for all
Health equity is a thread that runs through much of GO2 for Lung Cancer’s work. Whether we’re pushing to expand telehealth, strengthening rural lung cancer screening programs, or pushing for more equitable access to clinical trials, we’ve been consistent in supporting accessible, affordable care for all Americans. As such, we were proud to be part of the coalition that successfully pushed for passage of the landmark Affordable Care Act of 2010.
Screening to save lives
In February 2015, nearly 10 million Americans were granted coverage for lung cancer screening. No single health policy decision has had a greater immediate impact on lung cancer survival. The decision to provide coverage for eligible Medicare beneficiaries also marked a milestone in the lung cancer community’s relentless effort to push for early detection to improve survival. Since then, we’ve continued to push to expand the guidelines and eligibility criteria to ensure that every American who needs lung cancer screening has equitable access to this lifesaving tool.
State cancer plans
State comprehensive cancer control (CCC) plans serve as a guide on how states address the burden of cancer in their area. In a 2023 analysis of all state CCC plans, GO2 identified plans with gaps in lung cancer-specific objectives and strategies along with plans that included best practice language. As of October 2023, almost 75% of states do not include the current USPSTF criteria for lung cancer screening. We’re encouraging advocates to contact their local CCC representatives to help ensure every state follows USPSTF guidelines.
