[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 58 (Wednesday, May 7, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4116-S4117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            SENATE RESOLUTION 85--RELATIVE TO BREAST CANCER

  Mr. GREGG (for himself and Mr. Smith of New Hampshire) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Labor and 
Human Resources:

                               S. Res. 85

       Whereas individuals with breast cancer need a support 
     system in their time of need;
       Whereas breast cancer is a disease of epidemic proportions, 
     with 43,900 individuals in the United States expected to die 
     from breast cancer in 1997, and 1 out of every 8 women in the 
     United States expected to develop breast cancer in her 
     lifetime;
       Whereas the millions of family members, including spouses, 
     children, parents, siblings, and other loved ones of person's 
     with breast cancer can offer strong emotional support to each 
     other in addition to the support they offer to patients and 
     survivors dealing with their challenges;
       Whereas it is important that the United States as a whole 
     support the family members and other loved ones of 
     individuals with breast cancer in addition to supporting the 
     individual with breast cancer; and
       Whereas 1997 brings the 25th anniversary of the National 
     Cancer Program providing research, training, health 
     information dissemination, and other programs with respect to 
     the cause, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cancer, 
     rehabilitation from cancer, and the continuing care of cancer 
     patients and their families: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that an 
     environment be encouraged where--
       (1) the family members and loved ones of individuals with 
     breast cancer can support each other in addition to the 
     individual with breast cancer; and
       (2) everything possible should be done to support both the 
     individuals with breast cancer as well as the family and 
     loved ones of individuals with breast cancer through public 
     awareness and education.

  Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I rise today to submit, for myself and 
Senator Smith of New Hampshire, a Senate resolution expressing the 
sense of the Senate that individuals afflicted with breast cancer 
should not be alone in their fight against the terrifying disease. With 
Mother's Day coming up this Sunday, May 11, it seems especially 
appropriate that we recognize the extent to which our society is 
affected by this disease, as well as the

[[Page S4117]]

importance of supporting breast cancer patients and their family 
members and friends who are all meeting the challenges of this disease 
at the side of their loved one.
  In 1997, it is estimated that 1 out of every 8 women will develop 
breast cancer in her lifetime and nearly 44,000 individuals will die of 
the disease this year. In New Hampshire alone there are 12,700 women 
living with breast cancer, and 230 women are expected to die of this 
terrible disease in 1997. With each of these individuals come loved 
ones who are also impacted. It is imperative to have a strong support 
system not only for individuals with breast cancer but for the family 
and friends who make up their support system. Our recognition of the 
millions of people who are dealing with similar struggles can help both 
the breast cancer patients and their loved ones to stay strong during 
their times of need.
  With this resolution, we hope to encourage an environment in New 
Hampshire, and across the Nation, where support is provided to both the 
individuals with breast cancer as well as their family and friends 
through public awareness and education, and where family members and 
loved ones of individuals with breast cancer support each other in 
along with the individual facing breast cancer.

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