Rep. Johnson Re-Introduces Resolution to Increase Awareness of Rare Cancer, Chordoma

Congressman Honors Former Staff Member Diagnosed With Chordoma 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced today that he reintroduced a resolution to raise awareness of a rare form of cancer called chordoma after a former member of his staff was diagnosed with the rare condition last year.  

Classified as a rare cancer of the spine and skull, chordoma is diagnosed in just 1,000 people worldwide every year, 300 of whom are in the United States.

“Last year, a former member of my staff was diagnosed with chordoma,” said Rep. Johnson. “While he is currently doing well and is doing great work for Georgia Tech as a social media specialist, it is essential that we shed light on chordoma and rare cancers that impact members of our family – our personal families and work families.”

Chordomas are among the most complicated tumors to treat because they are located in the brain stem, spinal cord, and important nerves and arteries around the brain stem. No treatments are known to cure or effectively control the disease, which today consists of surgeries and radiation. 

The resolution seeks to lift up chordoma patients and families need to increase funding and support for accurate and early diagnosis, the development of new treatments, diagnostics, and cures, fewer hurdles between research and new treatments; and patient-centric approaches to drug discovery and development.

Read the resolution HERE. 

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