[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 103 (Monday, June 25, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8364-S8365]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 254--SUPPORTING EFFORTS FOR INCREASED HEALTHY LIVING 
                     FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER SURVIVORS

  Mr. COLEMAN (for himself and Mr. Reed) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, 
Labor, and Pensions:

       Whereas an estimated 9,000 children under the age of 15 
     will be diagnosed with cancer in the year 2007;
       Whereas oncology, the study of cancer and tumors, has made 
     significant progress in the prevention, treatment, and 
     prognosis of many childhood cancers;
       Whereas the number of survivors of childhood cancer 
     continues to grow, with about 1 in 640 adults between the 
     ages of 20 and 39 having a history of cancer;
       Whereas despite this progress, cancer is the chief cause of 
     death by disease in children under age 15, and the fourth 
     leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 19;
       Whereas childhood cancer varies from adult cancers in 
     development, treatment, response to therapy, tolerance of 
     therapy, and prognosis;
       Whereas, in most cases, childhood cancer is more responsive 
     to therapy, the child can tolerate more aggressive therapy, 
     and the prognosis is better;
       Whereas extraordinary progress has been made in improving 
     the cure rates for childhood cancers, but this progress 
     involves varying degrees of risks for both acute and chronic 
     toxicities;
       Whereas many childhood cancer survivors and their families 
     have courageously won the fight against cancer, but continue 
     to be challenged in their attempt to regain quality of life, 
     and will never fully return to their pre-cancer life;
       Whereas half of all childhood cancer survivors have long-
     term learning problems as a result of their cancer or the 
     treatment of their cancer;
       Whereas the prolonged absences or reduced energy levels 
     that frequently occur during treatment may contribute to 
     difficulties for a child;
       Whereas recent scientific reports indicate that treatment 
     for cancer during childhood or adolescence may affect 
     cognitive and educational progress due to neurotoxic agents 
     (such as chemotherapy or radiation);
       Whereas cancer that may spread to the brain or spinal cord 
     requires therapy that can sometimes affect cognition, 
     attention and processing speed, memory, and other learning 
     abilities;
       Whereas children with brain tumors, tumors involving the 
     eye or ear, acute lymphoblastic leukemia or non-Hodgkin's 
     lymphoma face a higher risk of developing educational 
     difficulties;
       Whereas the educational challenges of a childhood cancer 
     survivor may appear years after treatment is completed and 
     are frequently misdiagnosed or ignored all together;
       Whereas few educators are aware of the educational late 
     effects related to cancer treatment;
       Whereas childhood cancer survivors and their parents 
     deserve and need neuropsychological testing to help them 
     achieve academic success and have productive, hopeful 
     futures;
       Whereas some progress has been made, but a number of 
     opportunities for childhood cancer research still remain 
     under funded; and
       Whereas increased recognition and awareness of 
     neuropsychological testing for childhood cancer survivors can 
     have a significant impact on the education and ultimately the 
     quality of life and productivity of people with childhood 
     cancer: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that the 
     United States Government should--
       (1) support neuropsychological research and testing of 
     childhood cancer survivors and their families;
       (2) work with health care providers, educators, and 
     childhood cancer advocacy and education organizations to 
     encourage neuropsychological testing;
       (3) recognize and reaffirm the commitment of the United 
     States to fighting childhood cancer by promoting awareness 
     about the causes, risks, prevention, and treatment of 
     childhood cancer;

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       (4) promote new education programs about, research of, and 
     expanded medical treatment for childhood cancer survivors;
       (5) support research and expanded public-private 
     partnerships to improve post-cancer life for childhood cancer 
     survivors; and
       (6) encourage the early diagnosis and access to high-
     quality care for childhood cancer patients and survivors.

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