[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 86 (Thursday, May 24, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S6898]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SENATE RESOLUTION 216--RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 
FOUNDING OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH AND DECLARING 
            THE MONTH OF MAY NATIONAL CANCER RESEARCH MONTH

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself and Mr. Stevens) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 216

       Whereas the American Association for Cancer Research, the 
     oldest and largest scientific cancer research organization in 
     the United States, was founded on May 7, 1907, at the Willard 
     Hotel in Washington, D.C., by a group of physicians and 
     scientists interested in research to further the 
     investigation into and spread new knowledge about cancer;
       Whereas the American Association for Cancer Research is 
     focused on every aspect of high-quality, innovative cancer 
     research and is the authoritative source of information and 
     publications about advances in the causes, diagnosis, 
     treatment, and prevention of cancer;
       Whereas, since its founding, the American Association for 
     Cancer Research has accelerated the growth and dissemination 
     of new knowledge about cancer and the complexity of this 
     disease to speed translation of new discoveries for the 
     benefit of cancer patients, and has provided the information 
     needed by elected officials to make informed decisions on 
     public policy and sustained funding for cancer research;
       Whereas partnerships with research scientists and the 
     general public, survivors and patient advocates, 
     philanthropic organizations, industry, and government have 
     led to advanced breakthroughs, early detection tools which 
     have increased survival rates, and a better quality of life 
     for cancer survivors;
       Whereas our national investment in cancer research has 
     yielded substantial returns in terms of research advances and 
     lives saved, with a scholarly estimate that every 1 percent 
     decline in cancer mortality saves our national economy 
     $500,000,000,000;
       Whereas cancer continues to be one of the most pressing 
     public health concerns, killing 1 American every minute, and 
     12 individuals worldwide every minute;
       Whereas the American Association for Cancer Research Annual 
     Meeting on April 14 through 18, 2007, was a large and 
     comprehensive gathering of leading cancer researchers, 
     scientists, and clinicians engaged in all aspects of clinical 
     investigations pertaining to human cancer as well as the 
     scientific disciplines of cellular, molecular, and tumor 
     biology, carcinogenesis, chemistry, developmental biology and 
     stem cells, endocrinology, epidemiology and biostatistics, 
     experimental and molecular therapeutics, immunology, 
     radiobiology and radiation oncology, imaging, prevention, and 
     survivorship research;
       Whereas, as part of its centennial celebration, the 
     American Association for Cancer Research has published 
     ``Landmarks in Cancer Research'' citing the events or 
     discoveries after 1907 that have had a profound effect on 
     advancing our knowledge of the causes, mechanisms, diagnosis, 
     treatment, and prevention of cancer;
       Whereas these ``Landmarks in Cancer Research'' are intended 
     as an educational, living document, an ever-changing 
     testament to human ingenuity and creativity in the scientific 
     struggle to understand and eliminate the diseases 
     collectively known as cancer;
       Whereas, because more than 60 percent of all cancer occurs 
     in people over the age of 65, issues relating to the 
     interface of aging and cancer, ranging from the most basic 
     science questions to epidemiologic relationships and to 
     clinical and health services research issues, are of concern 
     to society;
       Whereas the American Association for Cancer Research is 
     proactively addressing these issues paramount to our aging 
     population through a Task Force on Cancer and Aging, special 
     conferences, and other programs which engage the scientific 
     community in response to this demographic imperative: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) congratulates the American Association for Cancer 
     Research on its 100 year anniversary celebration, ``A Century 
     of Leadership in Science - A Future of Cancer Prevention and 
     Cure'';
       (2) recognizes the invaluable contributions made by the 
     American Association for Cancer Research in its quest to 
     prevent and cure cancer and save lives through cancer 
     research;
       (3) expresses the gratitude of the people of the United 
     States for the American Association for Cancer Research's 
     contributions toward progress in advancing cancer research; 
     and
       (4) declares the month of May as National Cancer Research 
     Month to support the American Association for Cancer Research 
     in its public education efforts to make cancer research a 
     national and international priority, so that one day the 
     disease of cancer will be relegated to history.

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