Glioblastoma and brain cancer have claimed many American lives, including the late Senator John McCain (R-AZ). Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) recently led a bipartisan group of her fellow Senators, marking July 17th as National Glioblastoma Awareness Day, supporting efforts in researching and fighting brain cancer.
Cancer.gov provides details about glioblastoma, which is arguably one of the deadliest cancers. Approximately 14,000 Americans are diagnosed with a brain tumor every year, and according to Sen. Sinema's press release, 10,000 lose their battle with them. That is a mortality rate of 71%, made all the more tragic by the median length of survival lasting 15 to 18 months. Only 15% of patients survive more than five years after diagnosis.
Sen. Sinema's bipartisan resolution is a beacon of hope, promoting research and the continued development of treatment. It particularly recognizes molecular biomarker testing as an essential factor in diagnosing and treating brain cancer, underscoring the potential for significant progress in the fight against this disease.
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"Glioblastoma Awareness Day honors Senator John McCain – my personal hero – and the thousands of Americans who have battled or continue to battle brain cancers and their caregivers. We'll continue strengthening efforts to find a cure and develop new treatments for this disease and other brain cancers," said Sinema.
Such bipartisanship should come as no surprise, as many members of Congress have introduced legislation toward research, treatment, and care for survivors. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) personally battled breast cancer and celebrated 15 years cancer-free in December 2022. Her story, along with that of Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis, who won her own battle with the disease around the same time, serves as a powerful reminder of the human face of this fight.
Not even Presidents are immune to losing someone to cancer. President Joe Biden's second son, Beau, tragically died of a brain tumor in 2015. His story, along with the personal battles of other public figures, serves as a powerful inspiration for the continued fight against cancer.
