# What This Bill Actually Does

This is a symbolic resolution that designates July 21, 2021, as "Glioblastoma Awareness Day." In practical terms, it's Congress officially recognizing a specific day to raise awareness about glioblastoma, a particularly aggressive type of brain cancer. The resolution doesn't create any new laws, funding, or requirements—it's essentially Congress saying "we support bringing attention to this disease" and encouraging people to learn more about it.

The bill highlights why glioblastoma deserves attention. About 13,000 Americans get diagnosed with it each year, and it's the most common and deadliest type of malignant brain tumor. The statistics are sobering: only about 7 percent of patients survive five years, and the average person lives just eight months after diagnosis. The disease is particularly devastating because treating brain tumors is extremely complex—removing or treating cancer in the brain risks damaging the organ that controls everything about who we are, from memory to movement. Medical costs are also staggering, with initial treatment averaging around $150,000 per patient and end-of-life care ranging from $135,000 to $210,000.

What makes this resolution meaningful is what it encourages rather than what it mandates. Congress is calling for more public awareness about glioblastoma, supporting continued research funding through programs like the Glioblastoma Therapeutics Network (which received $6 million in initial funding), and honoring those fighting the disease and their families. For patients, families, and researchers, this recognition can help draw attention to an underfunded area of cancer research where progress has been slow—only four drugs and one medical device have been approved to treat glioblastoma since the 1920s, despite decades of research.

Supporting the designation of July 21, 2021, as "Glioblastoma Awareness Day".

Mast, Brian J.

 <p>This resolution supports the designation of Glioblastoma Awareness Day. Glioblastoma is a malignant brain tumor.</p>