[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 254 Introduced in Senate (IS)]







110th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 254

 Supporting efforts for increased healthy living for childhood cancer 
                               survivors.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             June 25, 2007

    Mr. Coleman (for himself and Mr. Reed) submitted the following 
 resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, 
                          Labor, and Pensions

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Supporting efforts for increased healthy living for childhood cancer 
                               survivors.

Whereas an estimated 9,000 children under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with 
        cancer in the year 2007;
Whereas oncology, the study of cancer and tumors, has made significant progress 
        in the prevention, treatment, and prognosis of many childhood cancers;
Whereas the number of survivors of childhood cancer continues to grow, with 
        about 1 in 640 adults between the ages of 20 and 39 having a history of 
        cancer;
Whereas despite this progress, cancer is the chief cause of death by disease in 
        children under age 15, and the fourth leading cause of death in children 
        ages 1 to 19;
Whereas childhood cancer varies from adult cancers in development, treatment, 
        response to therapy, tolerance of therapy, and prognosis;
Whereas, in most cases, childhood cancer is more responsive to therapy, the 
        child can tolerate more aggressive therapy, and the prognosis is better;
Whereas extraordinary progress has been made in improving the cure rates for 
        childhood cancers, but this progress involves varying degrees of risks 
        for both acute and chronic toxicities;
Whereas many childhood cancer survivors and their families have courageously won 
        the fight against cancer, but continue to be challenged in their attempt 
        to regain quality of life, and will never fully return to their pre-
        cancer life;
Whereas half of all childhood cancer survivors have long-term learning problems 
        as a result of their cancer or the treatment of their cancer;
Whereas the prolonged absences or reduced energy levels that frequently occur 
        during treatment may contribute to difficulties for a child;
Whereas recent scientific reports indicate that treatment for cancer during 
        childhood or adolescence may affect cognitive and educational progress 
        due to neurotoxic agents (such as chemotherapy or radiation);
Whereas cancer that may spread to the brain or spinal cord requires therapy that 
        can sometimes affect cognition, attention and processing speed, memory, 
        and other learning abilities;
Whereas children with brain tumors, tumors involving the eye or ear, acute 
        lymphoblastic leukemia or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma face a higher risk of 
        developing educational difficulties;
Whereas the educational challenges of a childhood cancer survivor may appear 
        years after treatment is completed and are frequently misdiagnosed or 
        ignored all together;
Whereas few educators are aware of the educational late effects related to 
        cancer treatment;
Whereas childhood cancer survivors and their parents deserve and need 
        neuropsychological testing to help them achieve academic success and 
        have productive, hopeful futures;
Whereas some progress has been made, but a number of opportunities for childhood 
        cancer research still remain underfunded; and
Whereas increased recognition and awareness of neuropsychological testing for 
        childhood cancer survivors can have a significant impact on the 
        education and ultimately the quality of life and productivity of people 
        with childhood cancer: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that the United States 
Government should--
            (1) support neuropsychological research and testing of 
        childhood cancer survivors and their families;
            (2) work with health care providers, educators, and 
        childhood cancer advocacy and education organizations to 
        encourage neuropsychological testing;
            (3) recognize and reaffirm the commitment of the United 
        States to fighting childhood cancer by promoting awareness 
        about the causes, risks, prevention, and treatment of childhood 
        cancer;
            (4) promote new education programs about, research of, and 
        expanded medical treatment for childhood cancer survivors;
            (5) support research and expanded public-private 
        partnerships to improve post-cancer life for childhood cancer 
        survivors; and
            (6) encourage the early diagnosis and access to high-
        quality care for childhood cancer patients and survivors.
                                 <all>