III 112th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 245 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES July 29, 2011 Mr. Kerry (for himself and Mr. Durbin) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Designating November 2011 as Stomach Cancer Awareness Month and supporting efforts to educate the public about stomach cancer.

Whereas stomach cancer is 1 of the most difficult cancers to detect and treat in the early stages of the disease, which contributes to high mortality rates and human suffering; Whereas stomach cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide; Whereas, in 2009, an estimated 21,000 new cases of stomach cancer were diagnosed in the United States; Whereas, in 2010, it was estimated that 10,000 people in the United States would die from stomach cancer; Whereas the estimated 5-year survival rate for stomach cancer is only 26 percent; Whereas approximately 1 in 113 individuals will be diagnosed with stomach cancer in their lifetimes; Whereas an inherited form of stomach cancer carries a 67- to 83-percent risk that an individual will be diagnosed with stomach cancer by 80 years of age; Whereas, in the United States, stomach cancer is more prevalent among racial and ethnic minorities; 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; and Whereas November 2011 is an appropriate month to observe Stomach Cancer Awareness Month: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)designates November 2011 as 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 November 2011 as Stomach Cancer Awareness Month through appropriate programs and activities to promote public awareness of, and potential treatments for, stomach cancer.