Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Judy Chu (D-CA) have introduced the Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at reviewing the current state of stomach cancer in the United States. The legislation seeks to provide recommendations for improving prevention, screening, and early detection efforts.
According to estimates for 2025, approximately 30,300 Americans will be diagnosed with stomach cancer, with as many as 11,000 deaths expected. The five-year relative survival rate is 36 percent, dropping to just 7 percent when the disease is diagnosed at a late stage. Stomach cancer can be difficult to detect early because symptoms often resemble common gastric issues or are absent altogether in up to 80 percent of patients. Research indicates that over 70 percent of cases are linked to Helicobacter pylori infection, which disproportionately affects military service members, veterans, rural residents, and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.
The proposed act would require the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to conduct a comprehensive review covering incidence rates, risk factors such as H. pylori infection, availability of screenings, and public awareness. It also calls for a report to Congress with recommendations on high-risk populations and improved guidelines for research and treatment. Additionally, the Department of Defense would coordinate with NCI and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to study stomach cancer among service members and veterans.
“Over my time in Congress I have fought for the inclusion of stomach cancer among those cancers eligible for research funding under the Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program in the Department of Defense. I am grateful to support this bill to promote early detection and prevention of this horrible disease. It is time to eliminate stomach cancer,” said Congressman Wilson.
“Stomach cancer is a devastating disease that too often goes undetected until it is too late. Its early symptoms are easy to dismiss, and by the time most patients are diagnosed, options are limited,” said Congresswoman Chu. “This cancer disproportionately impacts veterans, people in rural communities, and Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders who face higher rates of infection, lower screening rates, and more late-stage diagnoses. In fact AANHPIs experience roughly double the rate of stomach cancer compared to white Americans ,and in some groups ,such as Korean ,Japanese ,Chinese ,and Vietnamese Americans ,rates can be three to five times higher .By improving research ,screening ,and public awareness ,the Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act will help save lives ,close gaps in care ,and bring us closer to a future where no one has to suffer the pain of this preventable cancer.”
The legislation has received backing from organizations including Hope For Stomach Cancer & GC Disparities Institute; Debbie’s Dream Foundation; Sara Schottenstein Foundation; GI Cancers Alliance; Raymond Foundation; Project Periwinkle; Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum; Gastric Cancer Prevention and Screening Program at Yale School of Medicine; National Minority Quality Forum; American College of Gastroenterology; Gastric Cancer Disparities Initiative; Stomach Cancer Task Force; Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations; American Gastroenterological Association (AGA); and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE).
“We are grateful to Congresswoman Judy Chu and Congressman Joe Wilson for their bipartisan leadership in reintroducing the Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act,” said Aki Smith, Founder and Executive Director at Hope for Stomach Cancer. “This bill represents real hope for families across the country impacted by this devastating disease—especially those in communities that have long faced disproportionate risks and outcomes. By supporting research,
awareness,
and early detection—and by launching a Department of Defense study
to investigate military-related risk factors—this legislation brings us one step closer
to saving lives
and closing persistent gaps
in care.
We strongly urge Congress
to pass this bill without delay.”
“We strongly support
the reintroduction
of
the Stomach Cancer Prevention
and Early Detection Act
and commend Representatives Judy Chu
and Joe Wilson
for their leadership on this urgent
and often overlooked issue,” said Michael Ehren,
Board President
of Debbie’s Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer (DDF).
“This bill is an important step toward greater awareness
and improved outcomes
for patients,
families,
and military communities.
DDF is proud
to support this effort
and grateful
for the commitment
to making stomach cancer a national priority as we continue
to push for robust research funding that will allow us
to turn better data into effective treatments
and future screening strategies.”
“The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) applauds Congresswoman Judy Chu
and Joe Wilson
for introduction of the ‘Stomach Cancer Prevention
and Early Detection Act’ and for recognizing early endoscopy as a powerful tool in the detection and prevention of stomach cancer,” said ASGE President Amitabh Chak,
MD,
MASGE.
“Beyond greater public awareness of stomach cancer,
its signs;
symptoms;
understanding those most at risk;
can guide clinicians in their use;
endoscopy can prevent or catch it at an earlier stage.”
“I strongly support the Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act.
This vital legislation addresses a long-overlooked cancer that disproportionately affects immigrants,
veterans,
and underserved communities,”
said Dr.
Chul S.
Hyun,
Director
of Gastric Cancer Prevention & Screening Program at Yale School Of Medicine—the first program like it at any U.S academic medical center.
“We are grateful
to Congresswoman Chu & Congressman Wilson for reintroducing the Stomach Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Act—which would fund vital research & help develop actionable screening guidelines—for physicians like me,” said Amy S.
Oxentenko,
MD,
FACG,
President of American College Of Gastroenterology.
“Gastroenterologists know firsthand importance detecting cancer early but too often doesn’t happen patients with stomach cancer.To change tragic reality need fully understand which our patients including our military servicemembers most risk—that’s exactly what this bill seeks achieve.ACG members across country urge Congress pass critical legislation.”
“Stomach cancer research ,
prevention ,
screening falls woefully short there critical need educate about risk factors ,
early detection improve patient outcomes United States ,
” said Larry Kim ,
MD ,
AGAF ,
AGA President .
“The Stomach Cancer Prevention &
Early Detection Act first step address these gaps lead improvements future public health .
The American Gastroenterological Association thanks Reps .
Judy Chu (
D-CA )
Joe Wilson (
R-SC )
leadership addressing rising rates stomach cancer supports legislation help make difference against disease .”
Joe Wilson currently serves South Carolina’s 2nd congressional district after succeeding Floyd Spence in 2001 (source). He was previously part of South Carolina’s Senate from 1985 until his move into national office (source). Born in Charleston in 1947,Wilson now resides in Springdale.He graduated from Washington & Lee University before earning his law degree from University Of South Carolina.
###
