[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 108 (Thursday, September 14, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RESEARCH FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER

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                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 14, 2000

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to emphasize the importance of 
research and outreach in our nation's fight against childhood cancer. 
Childhood cancer is the No. 1 cause of death by disease among children 
and adolescents; striking more children than asthma, diabetes, cystic 
fibrosis, and AIDS combined. Each year more than 12,000 children and 
teens are diagnosed with cancer and 3,000 die from the disease.
  These statistics are disheartening. What is even more frightening 
though, is how high these statistics would be without the medical 
advances made in the last few years. Research plays a vital role in the 
fight against cancer; without it, childhood cancer would be a virtual 
death sentence. We can proudly say that because of medical 
breakthroughs, 70 percent or more of the children diagnosed today will 
be alive and well 5 years later.
  I believe we need to continue to support cancer research so children 
will no longer suffer needlessly.

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