Fitzpatrick, Capito’s bicameral bill would spur research, prevention of women’s lung cancer

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) earlier this month introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would require a review of American women and lung cancer.

“Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women, killing more women each year than breast cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer combined,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said. “This alarming statistic is further compounded by the fact that this disease is more prevalent in women and communities of color, and yet, it is the least funded of the major cancers.” 

The Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventative Services Act of 2021, H.R. 1800, which Rep. Fitzpatrick cosponsored on March 11 with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA), aims to encourage more research on preventing and treating lung cancer in women, particularly those who have never smoked. A companion bill, S. 699, was introduced on March 11 by Sen. Capito and U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). 

“More research and resources must be directed to better understand, treat and prevent this disease, especially among non-smokers,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick, who said he stands with “the many victims, survivors, family, and friends that have been affected by this devastating disease.”

If enacted, the bill also would require federal agencies to both evaluate and report their findings to Congress. 

“As lung cancer continues to affect women in West Virginia and other states — including increasingly among non-smokers — it’s so important that we improve our understanding of the problem and its causes to effectively address it,” said Sen. Capito. “Our bipartisan legislation will support research that allows us to improve treatment and prevention efforts and better provide for the health and well-being of women across the country.”

The GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer endorsed the bill, which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee and the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.