Lung Cancer Awareness Month

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Adams and 44 co-sponsors

Declares November 2026 as Lung Cancer Awareness Month to raise statewide awareness, promote screening and biomarker testing, and encourage public health messaging.

Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence

Summary of Bill S 1190 (Session 2025-2026) – South Carolina

Purpose and Intent

This is a concurrent resolution by both chambers declaring November 2026 as “Lung Cancer Awareness Month” in South Carolina.

The resolution emphasizes the impact of lung cancer in the state and promotes awareness, screening, and biomarker testing as means to reduce mortality.

Key Provisions

Proclaims November 2026 as Lung Cancer Awareness Month in South Carolina.

Directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to the Governor for acknowledgment and action.

Who/What Will Be Affected

The declaration applies statewide to all residents of South Carolina.

While primarily symbolic, the resolution targets public awareness and may influence public health messaging and education initiatives during the designated month.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced and adopted in the Senate on May 12, 2026, and sent to the House for consideration.

The resolution requires concurrence by both the Senate and House (a shared, non-binding legislative action).

If enacted, Governor’s acknowledgment is anticipated via formal presentation of the resolution.

Context and Rationale (As Stated in the Bill)

Lung cancer is presented as a leading cancer diagnosed in South Carolina, with incidence and mortality rates higher than national averages.

The bill notes that a substantial portion of new cases arise in individuals who have never smoked or who quit, pointing to non-smoker risk factors such as radon, secondhand smoke, asbestos, environmental exposures, and genetic factors.

It asserts that increasing public awareness, expanding access to screening, and improving biomarker testing could meaningfully reduce mortality.

Notable Details

The resolution cites specific public health concerns: higher local lung cancer incidence and mortality relative to national figures, and the potential benefits of screening and biomarker testing.

A broad slate of Senate sponsors and co-sponsors is listed, indicating cross-chamber and cross-party support for the proclamation.

Practical Impact

The immediate effect is ceremonial and educational, raising awareness about lung cancer during November 2026.

May influence state health agencies, healthcare providers, and public communications to emphasize lung cancer risk factors, early detection, and prevention strategies during the designated month.

If you’d like, I can provide a concise one-paragraph summary for quick briefing or a side-by-side comparison with similar prior proclamations.