Background
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the U.S. In fact, more people die of lung cancer than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. In 2025 alone, an estimated 226,650 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed, and an estimated 124,730 people will die from the disease.
Research is needed to determine if there are unique factors for women with respect to lung cancer. Despite historically lower smoking rates than men, women are estimated to make up over half of all new lung cancer cases (115,970 women and 110,680 men) and nearly half of all deaths (60,540 women and 64,190 men) in 2025. Furthermore, women have a slightly higher proportion of lung cancer not attributable to modifiable risk factors, like smoking. Currently there are at least seven cancer biomarkers that drive treatment decisions in lung cancer. Cancer biomarkers are measurable biological indicators—such as genes, proteins, or other molecules—that provide valuable information about a person’s cancer. They can help detect the presence of cancer, determine how aggressive it is, guide treatment decisions, and monitor how well a treatment is working. A clear and comprehensive understanding of both existing research and emerging opportunities is critically needed to reduce lung cancer mortality—especially among women, who face unique risks and outcomes.
Bill Summary
The bi-partisan Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act (H.R. 2319/S. 1157) — introduced by Representatives Brendan Boyle (D-PA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) — requires the Department of Health and Human Services, working with the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, to conduct an interagency review to evaluate the status of and identify opportunities for research on women and lung cancer including access to lung cancer preventive services, and strategic public awareness and education campaigns on lung cancer. In particular, the review should include:
- A report on the status of federal research on women and lung cancer, including knowledge gaps;
- Opportunities for collaborative federal interagency research to encourage innovation, evaluate environmental and genomic factors related to lung cancer in women, and foster advances in technology for prevention, risk assessment, diagnosis, and treatment;
- Opportunities to develop a national lung cancer screening strategy with sufficient resources to reach underserved populations; and
- Opportunities to develop a national public education and awareness campaign on women and lung cancer and the importance of early detection.
ACS CAN’s Position
ACS CAN supports the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2025 to accelerate progress in reducing mortality from lung cancer.
