Guam advances measure to lock in $4 million for Cancer Trust Fund

A new bill in Guam hopes to secure financial support for cancer screening and treatment. Sponsored by Senator Telo T. Taitague (R) of Guam, Bill 1-38 aims to guarantee the Guam Cancer Trust Fund (GCTF) a minimum of $4 million for its annual budget.

In 2010, Substitute Bill No. 150-30 (2.e.1) established the Healthy Futures Fund, collected from taxes on cigars, cigarettes, and other tobacco products. At the time, GCTF was set to receive 15% of those taxes for cancer screening, treatment, and support. Then, Bill 1-38 (1.5.B) was introduced in January 2025, changing the funding amount to the larger value of 15% or $4 billion. This ensures that the Cancer Fund is budgeted to its needs.

GCTF works not only to support the prevention and treatment of cancer but also to fight for education and outreach. The trust fund was made to provide access and financial assistance for organizations carrying out cancer-related services. It allows for hospitals, clinics, educational institutions, and local health departments to give treatment and other services related to cancer.

Five of the seven senators on the committee voted in favor of the bill during the public hearing on September 9. “We need consistent funding and legislative support to turn advocacy into action,” explained former Guamanian senator Louise Borja Muna (R).

On the other side of the aisle, Senator Chris Barnett (D) of Guam is also in full support of the bill. 

“I’m very encouraged that this is getting a public hearing nine months into this term,” announced Barnett, “Even though it was the first bill introduced.” 

The support for Bill 1-38 is strong, transcending terms and party lines. This is especially important to Taitague, who is a survivor of cancer.

“These diseases are not discriminative. It could be you; it could be a loved one,” said Taitague. “There have been more people today who have never smoked or worked in hazardous conditions that develop lung cancer. Cancer touches every village, every faith, every family. It does not discriminate.”Now, Bill 1-38 must pass the second and third reading in session, be voted on, and be signed by the governor to formally enact the proposed budget minimum for the GCTF.