SR634: SR634 Lung Cancer; recognize burden in the United States and State of Georgia; support prevention, early detection, and timely intervention to improve patient outcomes

This resolution does not change any Georgia law. Instead, it is a formal statement from the Georgia Senate recognizing lung cancer as a major public health problem, citing statistics on death rates, survival rates, and racial disparities in diagnosis and treatment both nationally and in Georgia specifically. The resolution states support for improving prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and timely treatment of lung cancer, and for addressing unequal outcomes in care. It also commends the company Intuitive for developing the Ion robotic endoluminal system, a device used to biopsy hard-to-reach lung nodules, and the da Vinci surgical system. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to Intuitive.

• Formally states the Georgia Senate's recognition of lung cancer as a critical public health concern in the United States and Georgia.
• Expresses support for improving prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and timely intervention for lung cancer patients.
• States a commitment to addressing racial and other disparities in lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survival rates.
• Commends the company Intuitive by name for its Ion robotic endoluminal system and da Vinci surgical system used in lung cancer care.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to Intuitive.

The resolution speaks to lung cancer patients in Georgia, including veterans and people of color who face higher rates or worse outcomes, Georgia healthcare providers, and the medical device company Intuitive, which is named and commended in the text.

Because this is a resolution rather than a bill creating law, it does not fund programs, create new requirements, or change any statute. Its practical effect is symbolic: a public statement of legislative priorities on lung cancer care and public recognition for a specific medical device company.

• The whereas clauses cite statistics on lung cancer deaths, diagnosis rates, and survival rates nationally and in Georgia, including that Georgia's five-year survival rate is 26.2 percent, ranking 30th among states.
• The first resolving clause states the Senate's recognition of lung cancer as a public health concern and support for prevention, early detection, and reducing care disparities.
• The second resolving clause commends Intuitive for its Ion robotic endoluminal system and da Vinci surgical system.
• The final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to Intuitive.

1. 2026-01-29Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-01-28Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Chuck Hufstetler (R, SD-052)Primary sponsor
• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050)
• Max Burns (R, SD-023)
• Ben Watson (R, SD-001)
• Carden Summers (R, SD-013)
• John Albers (R, SD-056)
• Larry Walker (R, SD-020)
• Shawn Still (R, SD-048)
• Jason Anavitarte (R, SD-031)
• Blake Tillery (R, SD-019)
• Frank Ginn (R, SD-047)
• Clint Dixon (R, SD-045)
• Steve Gooch (R, SD-051)
• Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-032)
• Lee Anderson (R, SD-024)
• Billy Hickman (R, SD-004)
• Marty Harbin (R, SD-016)
• Bill Cowsert (R, SD-046)
• Chuck Payne (R, SD-054)
• Matt Brass (R, SD-006)
• Timothy Bearden (R, SD-030)
• Russ Goodman (R, SD-008)

• lung cancer
• public health
• cancer disparities
• healthcare technology
• veterans health