[Congressional Bills 113th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 538 Introduced in House (IH)]

113th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 538

Expressing support for designation of May as ``National Bladder Cancer 
                           Awareness Month''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             April 3, 2014

  Mr. Cartwright (for himself, Mr. Rogers of Michigan, Mr. Cohen, Ms. 
  Norton, Mr. Connolly, Mr. Aderholt, and Mr. McGovern) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and 
                                Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Expressing support for designation of May as ``National Bladder Cancer 
                           Awareness Month''.

Whereas 500,000 families in the United States live with bladder cancer;
Whereas more than 72,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with bladder cancer 
        and 15,000 people are expected to die from the disease in 2013 alone;
Whereas bladder cancer affects people of all ages and backgrounds and is among 
        the top 10 cancers with the highest incidence rates in the United 
        States;
Whereas bladder cancer is known as one of the most expensive cancers to treat on 
        a per patient basis with a recurrence rate of approximately 50 to 80 
        percent, requiring lifelong surveillance;
Whereas bladder cancer symptoms, such as blood in the urine, are easily 
        recognized, however, many are unaware of the threat of bladder cancer, 
        often prolonging time to diagnosis;
Whereas if diagnosed early, bladder cancer is treatable;
Whereas military veterans are twice as likely as non-veterans to be diagnosed 
        with bladder cancer;
Whereas women are often diagnosed at a later stage in the development of bladder 
        cancer, and when diagnosed at the same stage as men, women have a worse 
        prognosis;
Whereas if diagnosis and treatment are delayed, the life expectancy of an 
        individual with bladder cancer decreases;
Whereas the quality of life of a person with bladder cancer will depend on 
        future treatment and diagnosis developments, which will rely on research 
        advancements;
Whereas there have been no new treatments developed for bladder cancer in more 
        than 20 years;
Whereas research advancements for bladder cancer are limited by lack of 
        awareness about the disease within the medical community and general 
        public;
Whereas increased awareness will promote early diagnosis and increase chances of 
        survival;
Whereas increased awareness will bolster public support of the disease and thus 
        increase funding for innovative research and the development of new 
        treatment options and diagnostic tools;
Whereas traditionally on the first Saturday in May, survivors, caregivers, and 
        loved ones walk together throughout the United States to raise awareness 
        of bladder cancer;
Whereas the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network and its community of patients, 
        caregivers, and specialists, seek to foster a community of hope and 
        support, fund and conduct research for innovative treatments and 
        diagnostic tools, and increase public awareness and understanding of 
        bladder cancer; and
Whereas May would be an appropriate month to designate as ``National Bladder 
        Cancer Awareness Month'': Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the designation of ``National Bladder Cancer 
        Awareness Month'';
            (2) supports the goals and ideals of ``National Bladder 
        Cancer Awareness Month''; and
            (3) calls on the people of the United States, interested 
        groups, and affected persons to--
                    (A) promote awareness of bladder cancer and to 
                foster understanding of the impact of the disease on 
                patients and their families and caregivers;
                    (B) take an active role in the fight to end bladder 
                cancer; and
                    (C) observe ``National Bladder Cancer Awareness 
                Month'' with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
                                 <all>