Senate passes radiologist-supported bill to bolster lung cancer research

The U.S. Senate recently passed radiologist-supported legislation aimed at bolstering lung cancer research. 

Lawmakers on June 8 unanimously voted to approve the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act, following its passage by the House in April. Introduced in March 2025, the legislation directs HHS to orchestrate a comprehensive review of research relating to the growing number of women diagnosed with lung cancer. 

Experts note that the disease represents the leading cancer-related cause of death for females in America. It claims more women’s lives than breast, ovarian and cervical cancers combined. While overall lung cancer rates are declining, cases among nonsmoking women are on the rise.  

“It’s a deeply troubling trend that we need to better understand if we hope to combat the disease,” Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., who co-sponsored the legislation alongside Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.V., said in a statement June 10. “This legislation is a good first step for us to take to better understand what we do and don’t know about why lung cancer rates seem to be moving in the wrong direction, particularly for one half of our population.”

The American College of Radiology highlighted the bill’s progress in a news update published June 17. ACR noted that the legislation aims to address “longstanding gaps in knowledge” about the disease and how it differently affects women. The college hopes the HHS-led review will identify any unmet needs and opportunities, helping physicians to deliver more effective care.

ACR, the American College of Chest Physicians, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and other lung cancer stakeholders expressed support for the “landmark” legislation in a June 11 letter to lawmakers.

“Such research is urgently needed,” ACR et al. wrote. “This is a long-awaited milestone for the women, families, advocates, researchers and survivors who have worked tirelessly to elevate this issue. Your support for this legislation made all the difference, and we are deeply grateful.”

The two chambers must now agree on final language of the bill, ACR noted. While both bills call for a research review, the Senate version goes further by also allowing HHS to update federal programs and activities pertaining to lung cancer in women, based on the findings. Both chambers must pass identical legislation before it is finalized.

“We now urge the Senate and the House to work expeditiously to resolve any remaining differences and send this critical legislation to the president's desk for signature into law,” ACR and others wrote in their letter.

The Congressional Budget Office estimated in August that the House version of the bill will cost less than $500,000 to implement through 2030, with any related spending subject to the “availability of appropriated funds.”