[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 137 (Saturday, September 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1795]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     ONE-STOP-SHOPPING INFORMATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RICK LAZIO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 27, 1996

  Mr. LAZIO of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce 
legislation to help the thousands of Americans battling life-
threatening disease. My bill would enable these individuals to gain 
easy access to essential information on clinical trials, information 
that could potentially save lives. In my Long Island, NY, district, 
where breast cancer occurs at unusually high rates, access to 
potentially promising treatments that are otherwise unavailable is 
crucial. A one-stop-shopping information service would allow those 
suffering from terrible illnesses, such as breast cancer or Parkinson's 
disease, to learn more about these clinical trials by simply dialing a 
1-800 number.
  Since coming to Congress, I have been working with breast cancer 
activists in my district, trying to reduce the suffering breast cancer 
brings to women and their families. I have fought hard for research 
funding to bring us closer to finding a cause, or possibly a cure, for 
breast cancer. Through researchers have made great progress, the 
public's knowledge of their findings has been limited. Its time we make 
these new findings available to those who need the information most.
  Earlier this year, physicians and breast cancer advocates came before 
Congress to bring to light the difficulty in obtaining information on 
clinical trials. I was then contacted by cancer activists from my 
district, who conveyed the need for a one-stop-shopping program for 
clinical trials.
  Currently, information is available through the Cancer Information 
Service at the National Cancer Institute. While the service is helpful, 
it lists only publicly funded trials, leaving information on more than 
300 private clinical trials untapped. Sadly, cancer patients are left 
without readily available information, presented in a clear, concise 
manner. It is evident that a better system is needed.
  In 1988, Congress directed HHS to establish an AIDS Clinical Trial 
Information Service. By simply calling 1-800-TRIALS-A, patients can 
find out more about trials which are evaluating experimental drugs and 
innovative therapies. The one-stop-shopping service would provide those 
facing serious illness with the same option that is now available to 
AIDS patients.
  One-stop-shopping information will bring patients one step closer to 
treatments that could change their lives. I urge my colleagues to 
support this bill, and to give those stricken by serious illness more 
than just hope for a cure.

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