2024 House Resolution 264

Whereas, Brain tumors, specifically glioblastoma, have become recognized in recent years as one of the deadliest cancers; and

Whereas, There are an estimated 770 new diagnoses of brain tumors in Michigan in 2024 and an estimated 620 Michigan residents will die from a brain tumor in 2024. Brain tumors can be deadly and can severely impact the quality of life of those fortunate enough to survive this disease. Brain cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer deaths among children and young adults; and

Whereas, Brain tumors have the highest per-patient initial cost of care for any cancer group with an annualized mean net cost of care in 2019 US dollars approaching $162,550; and

Whereas, More than any other cancer, brain tumors can have lasting and life-altering physical, cognitive, and psychological impacts on a patient’s life; and

Whereas, The state of Michigan has attained national recognition as a leading center of excellence in the field of brain tumor treatment and research as a result of the number of patients traveling to Michigan for clinical trial participation, grant dollars locally used to create jobs, and professionals specializing in brain tumors across the state; and

Whereas, Detroit is proud to be home to high level brain cancer centers such as the Hermelin Brain Tumor Center at Henry Ford Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Michigan and others. We encourage Detroit residents to continue to be vigilant and proactive when it comes to their healthcare; and

Whereas, Despite the numbers of brain tumors diagnosed annually, and their devastating prognosis, there have only been five FDA-approved drugs and one device to treat brain tumors in the past thirty years, none of these have extended survival more than two years on average or are considered curative; and

Whereas, To date, there have been no drugs developed and approved specifically for malignant pediatric brain tumors. Mortality rates for brain tumors have apparently remained relatively unchanged over the past 30 years; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare May 2024 as Brain Tumor Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.