[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 111 (Tuesday, September 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1526]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF THE BENIGN BRAIN TUMOR CANCER REGISTRIES AMENDMENT ACT

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                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 19, 2000

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, since 1973, there has been a federal cancer 
data collection process in existence. Unfortunately this process failed 
to include ``benign'' brain tumors. I have introduced legislation to 
include benign brain tumors in the data collection of cancer 
registries.
  This data will directly help the entire medical system including 
public health agencies, scientific research labs, health system public 
policy groups and of course the brain tumor groups. The medical system 
organizations use cancer data in funding decisions, investigations, 
research, and care facilities.
  I am pleased to announce the introduction of the Benign Brain Tumor 
Cancer Registries Amendment Act.
  Brain tumors are the second leading cause of cancer death for 
children and the third leading cause of cancer death in young adults 
ages 15-34.
  The greatest increase in brain tumors has been among people 75 years 
of age or older.
  Only 37 percent of males and 52 percent of females survive five years 
following the diagnosis of a primary benign or malignant brain tumor.
  Each year, approximately 100,000 people in the United States are 
diagnosed with a primary or metastatic brain tumor. Nationwide, the 
incidence of brain tumors has increased by 25 percent since 1975 and 
the reasons for this increase are unknown.
  For many types of tumors, the distinction between benign and 
malignant is significant. For tumors of the brain, this distinction is 
not as clear.
  A tumor, whether malignant or benign, is a collection of cells that 
grow as rapidly as malignant tumors, however based on location and 
size, even benign brain tumors can be life threatening.
  Benign brain tumors account for almost 40 percent of all brain 
tumors. Not including these tumors in the cancer registry, 
underestimates the incidence of brain tumors in the general population.
  Roughly half of all brain tumors are benign. All brain tumors, both 
cancerous and benign, are potentially life-threatening.
  I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this bill and support the thousands 
of Americans plagued with this disease.

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