IV 112th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 800 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES September 20, 2012 Mr. West (for himself and Mr. Shimkus) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce RESOLUTION Expressing support for designation of November 2012 as Stomach Cancer Awareness Month.

Whereas stomach cancer is one of the most difficult cancers to detect and treat in the early stages of the disease, which results in high mortality rates and human suffering; Whereas stomach cancer is one of the most deadly cancers and is the second-leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide; Whereas stomach cancer is on the rise in some populations in the United States and an estimated 22,000 new cases of stomach cancer will be diagnosed in the United States each year; Whereas more than 10,000 people in the United States will die each year from stomach cancer; Whereas approximately 1 in 115 individuals will be diagnosed with stomach cancer in their lifetimes; Whereas a young person's likelihood of being diagnosed with deadly stomach cancer has risen by almost 70 percent since 1977; Whereas there is no cure for stomach cancer and there have been no significant improvements in survival rates and treatment in the past 20 years; Whereas when symptoms of stomach cancer present themselves, it is usually too late for an optimistic prognosis and only approximately 4 percent of late stage stomach cancer patients survive for 5 years; Whereas better patient and health care provider education is needed for the timely recognition of stomach cancer risks and symptoms; Whereas more research into effective early diagnosis, screening, and treatment for stomach cancer is needed; Whereas the good health and well being of the people of the United States are enhanced as a direct result of increased awareness about stomach cancer and research into early detection, causes, and effective treatments; and Whereas November 2012 is an appropriate month to observe Stomach Cancer Awareness Month: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1)expresses support for designation of Stomach Cancer Awareness Month; (2)supports efforts to educate the people of the United States about stomach cancer; (3)recognizes the need for additional research into early diagnosis and treatment for stomach cancer; and (4)encourages the people of the United States and interested groups to observe and support Stomach Cancer Awareness Month through appropriate programs and activities to raise public awareness of, and potential treatments for, stomach cancer.