WASHINGTON, DC (June 23, 2025) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) reintroduced her resolution designating the month of June as Brain and Spine Metastasis Awareness Month, to recognize and reaffirm the commitment to increasing awareness of treatment options for people with cancer that has spread to the brain or spine.
“The rapid increase of brain and spine metastasis diagnosis in cancer patients across the country is alarming, especially as we consider modern medical advancements in cancer treatments that have helped increase survival rates,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee. “Congress needs to take steps towards advancing these lifesaving treatment options for those suffering from this devastating disease. I am proud to introduce this resolution designating June as Brain and Spine Metastasis Awareness Month once again to reaffirm our commitment to supporting local research centers and curb the growth of this often-deadly disease.”
“Brain and spine metastases are among the most challenging and underrecognized complications of cancer. Raising awareness is the first step toward improving outcomes. We’re deeply grateful to Congresswoman Foushee for amplifying the voices of patients and clinicians alike. With ongoing research and bipartisan support, the future holds tremendous promise for advancing care and extending lives,” said Carey Anders, M.D., Co-Director for the Duke Center for Brain and Spine Metastasis.
“Awareness drives progress and extends survival—time that matters deeply to patients and their families. We thank Congresswoman Foushee for helping bring national attention to this urgent need. With science accelerating and collaboration growing, we’re entering a new era of possibilities for treatment,” said Anoop Patel, M.D., Co-Director for the Duke Center for Brain and Spine Metastasis.
Metastatic cancer affects over 620,000 individuals in the United States, with the number set to increase to nearly 700,000 by the end of 2025, and is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. Specific cancers that commonly spread to the brain and spine include melanoma, lung, breast, colon, and prostate cancers. Brain metastases are five times more common than primary brain tumors, and while advanced treatment options are available to improve patient outcomes, disparities in care continue to persist.
The resolution also calls on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to increase education and awareness about treatment options, support resources to establish and support centers for brain and spine metastasis, provide resources to increase access to dedicated clinical trials for patients, and invest in research specifically into the biology and treatment of brain and spine metastasis.
Congresswoman Foushee introduced a similar resolution in the 118th Congress designating June as Brain and Spine Metastasis Month.
The full text of the resolution can be found here.
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