[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 131 (Tuesday, November 16, 2004)]
[House]
[Pages H9690-H9691]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SUPPORTING GOALS AND IDEALS OF PANCREATIC CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

  Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 641) supporting the goals and ideals of 
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 641

       Whereas over 31,860 people will be diagnosed with 
     pancreatic cancer this year in the United States;
       Whereas the mortality rate for pancreatic cancer is 99 
     percent, the highest of any cancer;
       Whereas pancreatic cancer is the 4th most common cause of 
     cancer death in the United States;
       Whereas there are no early detection methods and minimal 
     treatment options for pancreatic cancer;
       Whereas when symptoms of pancreatic cancer generally 
     present themselves, it is too late for an optimistic 
     prognosis, and the average survival rate of those diagnosed 
     with metastasis disease is only 3 to 6 months;
       Whereas pancreatic cancer does not discriminate by age, 
     gender, or race, and only 4 percent of patients survive 
     beyond 5 years;
       Whereas the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), the 
     first national patient advocacy organization serving the 
     pancreatic cancer community, focuses its efforts on public 
     policy, research funding, patient services, and public 
     awareness and education related to developing effective 
     treatments and a cure for pancreatic cancer; and
       Whereas the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has requested 
     that the Congress designate November as Pancreatic Cancer 
     Awareness Month in order to educate communities across the 
     Nation about pancreatic cancer and the need for research 
     funding, early detection methods, effective treatments, and 
     prevention programs: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives supports the 
     goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Platts) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Platts).


                             General Leave

  Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 641.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Pennsylvania?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise to strongly support this resolution that 
admirably supports the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness 
Month.
  Madam Speaker, few Americans may understand that pancreatic cancer is 
a horrific killer. Because early detection methods are largely 
unsuccessful, 99 percent of those diagnosed will lose their lives, the 
highest mortality rate of any form of cancer. By the time the symptoms 
become evident in patients, it is almost always too late. Individuals 
diagnosed have an average life expectancy of just 3 to 6 months.
  This year alone, more than 31,000 Americans will be diagnosed with 
pancreatic cancer. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, known as 
PANCAN, is the only national advocacy organization available for 
pancreatic cancer patients, their families and friends and all 
Americans.
  PANCAN regards each November as Pancreatic Cancer Month. By adopting 
House Resolution 641 today, this body will offer strong support for 
this outstanding organization and, most importantly, help to increase 
awareness of pancreatic cancer so that we can help to improve detection 
and treatment approaches.
  Madam Speaker, since all of our fellow citizens have family, friends 
and neighbors who are regrettably vulnerable to this dreaded disease, I 
urge support from my distinguished colleagues for this resolution here 
today.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Madam Speaker, this year, approximately 28,000 people will die from 
cancer of the pancreas. Most pancreatic cancers arise from the ductal 
cells of the pancreas. The pancreas, an organ situated deep in the 
abdominal cavity, serves several critical functions, including the 
production of enzymes that are delivered to the small intestine to aid 
in the digestion of food and the control of sugar levels in the body.
  Unlike other types of cancer where progress is being made to treat 
the disease, the medical community continues to be baffled by 
pancreatic cancer. Close to 99 percent of those diagnosed will die from 
the disease.

[[Page H9691]]

  It is imperative that we work together to raise awareness about this 
fatal disease. Therefore, I join with my colleague from Pennsylvania 
(Mr. Platts) to voice my strong support for H. Res. 641, a bill 
supporting the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
  The journey to find a cure for pancreatic cancer will certainly be a 
long and difficult one. However, I am pleased that the Pancreatic 
Cancer Network, known as PANCAN, has worked diligently since 1999 to 
focus national attention on the need to find a cure for pancreatic 
cancer. This organization believes that with hard work and cooperation 
from government a cure for pancreatic cancer will be discovered. I 
share this view.
  It is very important that we signal to the American people and to 
those struggling with this terrible disease that we are indeed serious 
about finding a cure. Designating November as Pancreatic Cancer 
Awareness Month will serve to help educate communities across the 
Nation about pancreatic cancer and the need for research funding, early 
detection methods, effective treatments and preventive programs.
  So, Madam Speaker, again I want to thank the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Platts) for his tireless effort on this important 
issue and urge that we all join with him in supporting H. Res. 641.
  Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I certainly appreciate and thank the gentleman for his 
kind words of support and his efforts to help raise awareness of this 
deadly disease.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Platts) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 641.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________