Michigan House Bill HR0264

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/21/24
• Passed: 5/21/24

Caption

A resolution to declare May 2024 as Brain Tumor Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

Impact

The declaration of Brain Tumor Awareness Month is expected to enhance public awareness of the challenges faced by patients diagnosed with brain tumors. It emphasizes the need for better treatment options and advances in research, especially given that brain tumors have the highest per-patient initial cost of care among cancer cases. The resolution acknowledges Michigan's stature as a center of excellence in brain tumor treatment and research, likely enhancing opportunities for clinical trials and community outreach initiatives.

Summary

House Resolution 264 aims to declare May 2024 as Brain Tumor Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. This resolution highlights the severity of brain tumors, particularly glioblastoma, which has emerged as one of the deadliest forms of cancer. The resolution references alarming statistics, including an estimated 770 new brain tumor diagnoses and 620 deaths due to brain tumors in Michigan for the year 2024. This initiative is intended to raise awareness about the impact of these tumors on the lives of patients and their families.

Contention

While the resolution serves a significant purpose in advocating for health awareness, it also underscores the stagnation in treatment advancements for brain tumors over the past three decades, as only five FDA-approved drugs and one device have come to market. There is growing concern regarding the lack of effective treatments, particularly for pediatric brain tumors, pointing to an ongoing need for increased funding and research efforts in this area. This issue may be a focal point of discussion among health policymakers and advocates as the month approaches.