IV 111th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 1343 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 11, 2010 Mr. Posey (for himself, Mr. Holt, Mr. Wolf, Ms. Wasserman Schultz, Mr. Smith of New Jersey, Ms. Sutton, and Ms. Speier) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce RESOLUTION Recognizing the importance of detecting esophageal cancer during its earliest stages, advancing medical research, and supporting the goals and ideals of Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month.

Whereas esophageal cancer is the fastest growing cancer diagnosis in the United States, increasing 400 percent in the last 20 years; Whereas the 5-year survival rate is less than 18 percent, esophageal cancer is among the deadliest of cancers, second only to pancreatic cancer; Whereas esophageal cancer is often not discovered until it has reached advanced stages when treatment outcomes are poor; Whereas the American Cancer Society estimated that during 2009 alone, 16,470 new cases of esophageal cancer would be diagnosed in the United States and 14,530 deaths from esophageal cancer would occur; Whereas esophageal cancer is often caused by heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which can lead to Barrett’s Esophagus that results in as much as a 125-fold increase in a person’s chance of developing esophageal cancer; Whereas the prevalence of this disease has grown and appropriate standards of care and treatment are underdeveloped and in some cases lacking altogether; Whereas the health and well-being of Americans will be enhanced by improving esophageal cancer awareness and prevention activities; Whereas early detection and improved treatment strategies will benefit from increased research; and Whereas increased research and awareness of esophageal cancer will enable a greater understanding of this disease, earlier detection, more targeted treatments, and overall better outcomes for those suffering from this type of cancer: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1)supports the goals and ideals of Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month and applauds the efforts of advocates and organizations that encourage awareness, promote research, and provide education and give support to those impacted by esophageal cancer; (2)supports increased research into the causes, treatments, and cures for esophageal cancer; and (3)recognizes the importance of early screening, when appropriate, for patients affected by pre-cursors such as acid reflux, Barrett’s Esophagus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.