[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.
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