Press Releases

Today, Congressman Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA) and Congressman Mike Turner (R-OH) introduced a resolution to designate and commemorate April as Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month. The resolution is cosponsored in the House by Representatives Don Beyer, Suhas Subramanyam, and Bobby Scott.

“Esophageal Cancer is quickly on the rise, touching the lives of tens of thousands of Americans – including mine,” said Connolly. “It is vital that we all do our part to raise awareness and push for more research and more effective prevention efforts. In honor of every family in America who has been impacted by Esophageal Cancer, I am proud to mark April as Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month. I am immensely grateful to my good friend Congressman Mike Turner and my colleagues who join me in introducing this resolution today. Together, we will fight to end Esophageal Cancer, bringing hope to thousands of American families.”

“April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month. In honor of my friend, Congressman Gerry Connolly, I join with him in supporting this resolution to honor his remarkable strength and resilience in his own battle with this disease. It is an honor to stand with him in raising awareness and advocating for increased research and prevention efforts that can help save lives,” said Turner.

Esophageal cancer is the fastest increasing cancer among American men and is one of the fasting growing cancer diagnoses among all Americans, increasing more than 700% in recent decades. Designating the month of April as Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month will encourage public education efforts, support ongoing research initiatives, and promote early screening and prevention strategies.

The resolution is endorsed by the Esophageal Cancer Action Network.

"ECAN is thrilled that this resolution has been introduced, and thanks Congressman Connolly and his colleagues for making it happen! We believe that making the public aware that reflux disease can cause cancer is one of the most important steps to ending Esophageal Cancer,” said Mindy Mintz Mordecai, President & CEO of the Esophageal Cancer Action Network.

Text of the resolution is available here.