I will soon introduce a resolution designating June 2, 2026, 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 2.1 million new cancer cases are expected in the United States this year, and sadly, more than 626,000 people are projected to lose their fight against cancer in 2026. That is approximately 5,790 new cases and 1,720 deaths every day.

Comparatively, Pennsylvania’s cancer incidence and mortality rates continue to be higher than the national rates, with a predicted 90,250 Pennsylvanians to face a new cancer diagnosis in 2026 and an estimated 27,630 to lose their lives this year to cancer.

In Pennsylvania, the five most common new cases of cancer estimated in 2026 include breast cancer at 13,720 cases, prostate cancer at 13,470 cases, lung/bronchus cancer at 10,710 cases, colorectal cancer at 6,520 cases and urinary bladder cancer at 4,160 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 important resolution designating “Cancer Action Day” in Pennsylvania.