Rep. Boyle and Rep. DeSaulnier Reintroduce Katherine’s Lung Cancer Early Detection and Survival Act in Partnership with Sen. Tina Smith

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA) and Representative Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), joined by Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) in the Senate, reintroduced the Katherine’s Lung Cancer Early Detection and Survival Act, a bicameral initiative to expand access to life-saving lung cancer screenings.

"Katherine’s story reminds us of the human toll lung cancer takes and why we must act with urgency," said Congressman Boyle. "This legislation honors her legacy by advancing life-saving early detection efforts and supporting those at risk. By investing in research and expanding access to screenings, we can give families across the country more moments and memories with their loved ones."

“As a cancer survivor, I know all too well the importance of increasing access to early screening and detection to improve outcomes and survival rates,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. “I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill, named in memory of the late daughter of my former colleague, Rep. Rick Nolan, that would help to save lives by preventing the deadliest cancer among American adults.”

“We need to take every possible step to fight this terrible disease that kills far too many people in Minnesota and across the country each year,” said Senator Tina Smith. “Individuals without typical risk factors are increasingly receiving this devastating diagnosis, which is why it is so important that we continue to raise awareness and update the current lung cancer screening guidelines to help more people detect the cancer earlier and save lives. The late Congressman Rick Nolan and his daughter, Katherine, inspired me to introduce this resolution. Katherine courageously fought stage 4 lung cancer for five years before succumbing to the disease and was a fierce advocate for early detection and research. I am proud to carry on Rick and Katherine’s fight.”

The Katherine’s Lung Cancer Early Detection and Survival Act would require commercial health plans to cover lung cancer screenings for high-risk individuals—regardless of smoking history—at no cost to the patient, provided they have a recommendation from their doctor. It would also eliminate arbitrary restrictions that currently prevent individuals aged 80 and older or those who quit smoking more than 15 years ago from receiving free screenings.

Currently, federal law mandates coverage for free lung cancer screenings only for individuals aged 50 to 80 who either smoke or have quit smoking within the past 15 years. However, data shows that lung cancer significantly impacts non-smoking populations, and the disease is often diagnosed late, when it is already at an advanced stage.

This legislation is named in honor of Katherine Bensen, a Minnesotan and daughter of the late U.S. Representative Rick Nolan, who passed away after a courageous battle with stage 4 non-smoking, non-small cell lung cancer. Katherine’s story inspired lawmakers to act on behalf of individuals and families affected by lung cancer.

The full text of the Katherine’s Lung Cancer Early Detection and Survival Act is available here.

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