I plan to introduce a resolution designating May 13, 2025, as “Cancer Action Day” in Pennsylvania.

On this day, individuals from across the Commonwealth will be in Harrisburg to advocate for life-saving policies related to cancer screenings and prevention programs.

While the risk of dying from cancer has gradually decreased over the past 30 years – thanks to improvements in early detection, treatment methods, and precision medicine – there is still work to be done. According to the American Cancer Society, over 2 million new cancer cases are expected in the United States this year, and sadly, more than 618,000 people are projected to lose their fight against cancer in 2025.

Comparatively, Pennsylvania’s cancer incidence and mortality rates continue to be higher than the national rates, with a predicted 90,000 Pennsylvanians to face a new cancer diagnosis in 2025 and an estimated 27,500 to lose their lives this year to cancer.

In Pennsylvania, the five most common new cases of cancer estimated in 2025 include breast cancer at 13,650 cases, prostate cancer at 13,400 cases, lung/bronchus cancer at 10,250 cases, colorectal cancer at 6,500 cases and urinary bladder cancer at 4,150 cases. Of all these new cases, it is important to note that many of these cancers are often preventable, and early detection and treatment continue to be extremely critical as cancer does not always cause symptoms in the early stages.

In recent years, the legislature has taken steps to remove barriers to cancer prevention, detection, and treatment throughout the Commonwealth. Please join me in continuing those efforts by co-sponsoring this resolution designating Cancer Action Day.