Chicago City Wire

On May 5, 2023, U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05) and Michael McCaul (TX-10) introduced a resolution seeking recognition of May 2023 as National Brain Tumor Awareness Month. Each year, tens of thousands of Americans receive a primary brain tumor diagnosis which carries a five-year survival rate of only 36 percent for malignant tumors. It is estimated that over the course of 2023 alone more than 19,000 individuals in the United States will die as a result of a malignant brain tumor. Unfortunately, mortality rates associated with brain tumors have changed little in recent decades. They remain the leading cause of death from cancer in children and teens. These facts underscore the need for both increased public awareness around brain tumor diagnoses and substantial federal investments in research and development aimed at brain tumor treatment.

“This year alone, more than 94,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with a primary brain tumor. Despite this, progress in treatment has been slow and survival rates have barely changed in the last 45 years. The slow rate of progress is what has inspired me to consistently reintroduce this resolution. By raising awareness, we can gather more momentum in the fight to accelerate breakthroughs in research and ultimately defeat brain tumors for good,” said Quigley. “I hope this resolution provides a sense of assurance for those Americans who have been diagnosed and a promise that Congress has not forgotten them.”

“It's estimated that a heartbreaking 19,000 people will die from a malignant brain tumor in 2023. With this resolution, we vow to continue speaking up on their behalves, increasing awareness, and supporting efforts to change—and save—lives,” said Representative McCaul.

"National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) applauds Representative Quigley and Representative McCaul for continuing to highlight the importance of recognizing May as National Brain Tumor Awareness Month,” said David Arons, President and CEO of NBTS. “This resolution helps raise public awareness of brain tumors, while honoring those who have lost their lives or loved ones to this devastating group of diseases or are currently living with a brain tumor diagnosis.”

In addition to encouraging increased public awareness and expressing support for individuals battling brain tumors, Quigley and McCaul’s resolution urges a collaborative approach to brain tumor research. This will harness advances made both by private, non-profit research foundations and federally supported medical research institutions

Original source can be found here.