WASHINGTON, DC (June 3, 2024) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) introduced a 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.

“Despite advancements in cancer treatments that are extending survival rates, the rapid increase of brain and spine metastasis diagnoses in cancer patients across the country is alarming,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee. “Congress must act now and recommit to improving and advancing lifesaving treatment options for those suffering from this devastating disease. I am proud to introduce this resolution with the support of the Duke Center for Brain and Spine Metastasis, which has been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge metastasis surgeries and treatments. With further collaboration between the federal government and medical and research institutions, I am confident that we can curb the growth of these often-deadly cancers while continuing to provide high-quality care to patients in need.”

“We are so appreciative of Representative Foushee’s efforts on behalf of all the patients, caregivers, and loved ones who battle with brain and spine metastatic cancer on a daily basis. The Duke Center for Brain and Spine Metastasis (DCBSM) is deeply committed to remaining a thought and action leader in its efforts to improve awareness, access, and advancements around care for these patients across the United States. Today marks a crucial step forward in this fight. We are excited by the prospect of welcoming Congress as a vital collaborator and ally,” said Peter Fecci MD PhD, Professor of Neurosurgery and Director of the DCBSM, Duke University Medical Center.

Metastatic cancer affects over 600,000 individuals in the United States, with the number set to increase to nearly 700,000 by 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.

The full text of the resolution can be found here.