U.S. Representative María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in introducing a resolution on Apr. 24 to officially recognize April as Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month.
The resolution seeks to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis, preventive care, and broader access to life-saving cancer screenings for Americans. With over two million new cancer diagnoses expected in the United States this year, supporters say the measure is intended to renew national efforts toward education and reducing barriers that limit routine screenings.
Salazar was joined by Representatives Max Miller (OH-07), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL). “In South Florida, we know that family is everything, it is the heartbeat of our community. But you cannot protect your family if you are blindsided by a diagnosis that came too late because you didn’t have access to a simple screening,” said Rep. Salazar. “This resolution isn’t just about healthcare policy; its about giving our families the fighting chance they deserve so they can live longer. We are drawing a line in the sand: no more excuses, no more barriers, and no more losing our loved ones to a preventable tragedy.”
“With more than two million cancer diagnoses expected this year, we have a responsibility to act,” said Congressman Max Miller. “Early detection saves lives. This resolution reinforces our commitment to expanding access to screenings, promoting prevention, and ensuring that every American has the opportunity to catch cancer early, when it is most treatable. Cancer does not discriminate. By working together, we can raise awareness, expand access, and move closer to a future where cancer is caught earlier, treated more effectively, and ultimately prevented.”
Several other lawmakers echoed these sentiments during introduction of the measure: “Cancer touches nearly every family in America… For too long… our health care system has focused on treating illness after the fact instead of preventing it,” said Congressman Buchanan; while Congresswoman Sewell highlighted recent legislative progress with “the Nancy Gardner Sewell Multi‑Cancer Early Detection Act.” The initiative also received endorsements from advocacy organizations such as Prevent Cancer Foundation CEO Jody Hoyos who said: “Routine screenings can lead to better outcomes… This bipartisan resolution reflects a shared commitment… ensuring every American has the opportunity to detect cancer early.” Courtney Bugler from ZERO Prostate Cancer added support for expanding equitable screening access.
The resolution outlines several goals including increasing public education on prevention strategies; improving availability of routine screenings—especially for underserved communities; supporting innovation like multi-cancer early detection tests; and addressing cost or coverage gaps that hinder timely care.
Supporters say recognizing April as Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month could help raise awareness nationally about prevention measures while advancing policies aimed at earlier intervention.
