[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 124 (Thursday, September 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1894]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF PANCREATIC CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

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                               speech of

                        HON. TODD RUSSELL PLATTS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 25, 2006

  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support House Resolution 745. 
This resolution will help to increase awareness about a horrible 
disease: pancreatic cancer.
  Few Americans may understand that pancreatic cancer is a horrific 
killer. This year alone, over 33,000 people will be diagnosed with this 
disease. Because there are no early detection tools for this cancer, 99 
percent of those diagnosed will lose their lives.
  Many Americans are not aware that pancreatic cancer has the highest 
mortality rate of all cancers; most patients only survive three to six 
months after diagnosis. This is why it is a moral imperative for 
Congress to work to increase awareness of this deadly cancer.
  Currently, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (known as ``PanCAN'') 
is the only national advocacy organization available for pancreatic 
cancer patients and their families and friends. I became aware of 
PanCAN through a constituent of mine, Bob Hammen, who lost his wife to 
this terrible disease. PanCAN provides patient support and professional 
education about this disease, while coordinating advocacy programs to 
focus national attention on finding a cure for pancreatic cancer.
  PanCAN regards each November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. 
With the passage of H. Res. 745, Congress will be supporting PanCAN's 
efforts to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer so that scientific 
advancements can lead to some early detection programs and effective 
treatments.
  Mr. Speaker, because 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.

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