Bill Summary: H.Res. 1264

This bill, H.Res. 1264, expresses support for designating May 2024 as 'National Brain Tumor Awareness Month'. The bill was introduced to the House of Representatives on May 28, 2024, by Mr. Quigley, along with Mr. McCaul, Mr. Bacon, Ms. Titus, and Mr. Garamendi. It has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

The bill states that it is estimated that more than 90,000 Americans will be diagnosed with a primary brain tumor in 2024, and 94,390 individuals in the United States were diagnosed with a primary brain tumor in 2023. Additionally, it is estimated that more than 1,000,000 Americans are currently living with a brain tumor.

The bill highlights that brain tumors are the leading cause of death from cancer in children under 14 years of age and teens under 19 years of age. They are also the second-leading cause of death from cancer in young adults between 15 and 39 years of age.

The average 5-year survival rate for an individual in the United States following the diagnosis of a primary malignant brain tumor is only 35.7 percent. It is estimated that 18,870 individuals in the United States will die as a result of a malignant brain tumor in 2024.

Brain tumors can be malignant or benign, but they can be life-threatening in either case. Treatment of brain tumors is complicated due to the fact that there are more than 100 types of brain tumors. The unique complexity and fragility of the brain present significant challenges in the treatment and removal of brain tumors.

Brain tumors affect the primary organ in the human body that controls cognitive ability and the actions of every other organ and limb. This is why brain tumors are described as a disease that affects the whole individual.

The bill acknowledges that brain tumor research is supported by private, nonprofit research foundations and Federal medical research institutions. Basic research may help fuel advancements and the development of new treatments for brain tumors.

However, obstacles to the development of new treatments for brain tumors remain, and there are limited strategies for the screening or early detection of brain tumors. The number of approved treatments for malignant brain tumors has been limited, with none of them extending survival by more than 2 years on average or considered curative.

The mortality rates associated with brain tumors have changed little over the past 30 years. There is a need for greater public awareness of brain tumors, the challenges associated with research, and the opportunities for advances in research and treatment.

Therefore, the bill resolves that the House of Representatives:

Expresses support for the designation of 'National Brain Tumor Awareness Month'.
Encourages increased public awareness of brain tumors to honor those who have lost their lives or currently live with a brain tumor diagnosis.
Supports efforts to develop better treatments for brain tumors to improve the quality of life and prognosis for individuals diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Expresses support for individuals battling brain tumors, as well as their families, friends, and caregivers.
Urges a collaborative approach to brain tumor research.

Rep. Mike Quigley

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