[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 133 (Monday, September 10, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H10333-H10335]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1300
  SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF PANCREATIC CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 257) supporting the goals and ideals 
of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 257

       Whereas over 37,170 people will be diagnosed with 
     pancreatic cancer this year in the United States;
       Whereas pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause 
     of cancer death in the United States;
       Whereas 75 percent of pancreatic cancer patients die within 
     the first year of their diagnosis, and only 5 percent survive 
     more than 5 years, making pancreatic cancer the deadliest of 
     any cancer;
       Whereas there has been no significant improvement in 
     survival rates in the last 25 years, and pancreatic cancer 
     research is still in the earliest scientific stages;
       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 metastatic disease is only 3 to 6 months;
       Whereas the incidence rate of pancreatic cancer is 40 to 50 
     percent higher in African Americans than in other ethnic 
     groups;
       Whereas the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is a 
     national patient advocacy organization that serves the 
     pancreatic cancer community by focusing 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 
Illinois (Mr. Davis) and the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Sali) each will 
control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.


                             General Leave

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their 
remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and 
Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in the 
consideration of H. Res. 257, a resolution supporting the goals and 
ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
  H. Res. 257, which has 77 cosponsors, was introduced by 
Representative Todd Platts on March 20, 2007. H. Res. 257 was reported 
from the Oversight Committee on June 12, 2007, by voice vote.
  Mr. Speaker, pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of 
cancer death in the United States. It develops when cancerous cells 
form in the tissues of one's pancreas.
  Pancreatic cancer spreads rapidly and is seldom detected in its early 
stages, which is a major reason why it is one of the leading causes of 
cancer death. The American Cancer Society estimated that 37,000 people 
will be diagnosed this year with pancreatic cancer in the United 
States, and about 33,000 of them will die.
  I support the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month 
in order to educate people about pancreatic cancer and the need for 
research funding, early detection methods, effective treatments, and 
preventative programs.
  So, Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague, Representative Platts, for 
introducing this legislation and urge its swift passage.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SALI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Pancreatic cancer, the fourth most common cause of cancer death in 
the United States, is a devastating disease caused by excessive 
cellular growth in the pancreatic gland. Approximately 37,200 people 
will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year alone. Sadly, the 
average life expectancy for those diagnosed is only 3 to 6 months.
  Despite the lethal nature of pancreatic cancer, research remains in 
the earliest scientific stages, and there are currently no identifiable 
early warning signs. By the time the symptoms become evident, it is 
almost always too late for successful treatment. While research and 
scientific developments have led to lower mortality rates for other 
types of cancer, such as cancer of the breasts, lung, prostate, and 
colon, the mortality rate for pancreatic cancer continues unabated.
  The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, PanCAN, is the only national 
patient advocacy organization that serves the pancreatic cancer 
community. It focuses its efforts on public policy, research funding, 
patient services, public awareness, and education related to the 
development of an effective treatment and ultimately a cure.
  PanCAN will once again be promoting pancreatic awareness during the 
month of November to educate citizens about pancreatic cancer, the need 
for funding, early detection methods, effective treatment, and 
prevention programs.
  In honor of the many victims of this horrific disease and the efforts 
of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, I ask that the Members of 
Congress join me in declaring support for the goals of Pancreatic 
Cancer Awareness Month.
  Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such 
time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from the State of 
Maryland, the Honorable Elijah Cummings.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H. Res. 257, a 
resolution that recognizes the goals and ideals of the National 
Pancreatic Awareness Month, which is in November.
  Today's consideration of this legislation comes on the heels of a 
recent tragedy that shook the Nation and the world. Last week, Italian 
operatic icon Luciano Pavarotti died in his home in Modena, Italy, from 
pancreatic cancer. He was 71 years old.
  Pavarotti's flawless, rich sound left audiences awe-struck, earning 
him the nickname of the ``King of the High Cs.'' I count myself among 
the millions of fans who were moved by his powerful voice.
  Like Enrico Caruso and Jenny Lind before him, Pavarotti's talent was 
recognized beyond the standard opera audience. He became a household 
name in the 1990s with his popular ``Pavarotti and Friends'' charity 
concerts, performing with rock stars like Elton John, Sting, and Bono.

[[Page H10334]]

  The maestro's moving music and charismatic demeanor will be 
remembered for generations to come. As we celebrate the life and legacy 
of one of the greatest tenors the world has ever known, we must also 
reflect on the need to improve the diagnosis and treatment of the 
disease that tragically took his life, pancreatic cancer.
  That is why I am a lead sponsor of H. Res. 257, which highlights the 
need for improved investment in pancreatic cancer research. Pavarotti 
might still be alive today if we had made a greater commitment to 
fighting this very tragic disease.
  Pavarotti's story is like so many other individuals who suffer from 
pancreatic cancer. He was diagnosed in 2006 and underwent surgery in 
July of that year. Treatment failed, however, and he eventually 
succumbed to the disease.
  Far too many Americans and people around the world find that a 
diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is a death sentence. Seventy-five 
percent of all patients with pancreatic cancer die within 12 months of 
diagnosis. Only 5 percent of pancreatic cancer patients survive more 
than 5 years, making it the deadliest of any cancer. Of the 37,170 
Americans who are expected to be diagnosed in 2007, an estimated 33,000 
will die this year.
  Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the 
United States and the third leading cause of cancer death among 40- to 
59-year-old men. It is a disease that disproportionately affects 
minorities. The incidence rate of pancreatic cancer is 40 to 50 percent 
higher in the African American community than in any other ethnic 
group.
  Unfortunately, our financial commitment to the disease has not 
matched its impact. Only 1\1/2\ percent of the National Cancer 
Institute's $4.747 billion cancer research budget for 2006 went to 
pancreatic cancer. No significant improvement in survival rates has 
been made in the last 25 years, and pancreatic cancer research is still 
in the earliest scientific stages.
  There are no early detection methods and minimal treatment options 
for pancreatic cancer. Sadly, when symptoms of pancreatic cancer 
present themselves, it is usually too late for an optimistic prognosis; 
and the average survival rate of those diagnosed with metastasis 
disease is only 3 to 6 months.
  This is simply unacceptable. We can do better, and we owe it to our 
citizens and to the legacy of the great Pavarotti to do better.
  For this reason, I have joined my colleague, Congressman Todd Russell 
Platts of Pennsylvania, in introducing H. Res. 257. We are also joined 
by 83 of our colleagues who are cosponsors of the bill. I want to thank 
Congressman Platts for his leadership on this issue, subcommittee 
Chairman Danny Davis, and full committee Chairman Henry Waxman for 
bringing this legislation to the floor, and our friends on the other 
side.
  I urge all of my colleagues to vote in favor of this resolution and 
to join efforts to increase Federal support for pancreatic cancer 
research.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I want to thank the gentleman from Maryland 
(Mr. Cummings) for his remarks.
  Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
support of House Resolution 257, supporting the goals and ideals of 
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
  By increasing awareness, we look to shine a spotlight on a disease 
that has historically received little attention from the Federal 
government: pancreatic cancer. It is the fourth most deadly cancer for 
both men and women, but research on pancreatic cancer is decades behind 
other cancers.
  I was fortunate to have a group of my constituents from the 8th 
District of Pennsylvania teach me more about this devastating illness. 
They work with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and are fighting 
hard to raise awareness and improve patient services to beat this 
disease.
  They told me that this year more than 37,000 Americans will be 
diagnosed and almost as many will die from the disease. It is difficult 
to recognize and with no early screening test, symptoms are often 
mistaken for other ailments. Because of this lack of early detection, 
75 percent of those diagnosed don't survive longer than a year and only 
5 percent survive more than 5 years. Pancreatic cancer shows no signs 
of slowing--with diagnoses and deaths increasing every year. Men and 
African-Americans are particularly at risk, but with no significant 
improvement in survival rates in the last 25 years, every American 
needs to be aware.
  A number of treatments are in development. Patients can undergo 
chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or experimental treatments such as 
chemotherapy drugs or vaccines. While doctors and scientists are 
working hard to find a cure, they need our help to fund their important 
research and assist in educating the public.
  Mr. Speaker, with so many Americans diagnosed each year, we must act 
with urgency. We must increase awareness in our communities and across 
our country in order to intensify our focus to find a cure. Through 
educating the public about this quiet killer, we can increase early 
diagnosis and improve the prognoses and treatment of the disease. Mr. 
Speaker, it is time to face this disease head-on and fight back.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to strongly support House Resolution 
257. This resolution will to help increase awareness for pancreatic 
cancer, the deadliest of all cancers.
  Mr. Speaker, few Americans may understand that pancreatic cancer is a 
horrific killer. This year alone, over 37,000 people will be diagnosed 
with this disease. Sadly, 99% of those diagnosed will lose their lives 
due to a lack of early detection tools.
  Many Americans are not aware that pancreatic cancer has the highest 
mortality rate of all cancers; only 4 percent of patients will survive 
beyond 5 years after diagnosis. This is why it is a moral imperative 
for Congress to work to increase awareness of this deadly cancer.
  I became aware of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (known as 
``Pan CAN'') through a constituent of mine, Bob Hammen, who lost his 
wife to this terrible disease. Pan CAN is the only national advocacy 
organization which provides support for pancreatic cancer patients and 
their families.
  In their efforts to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer, Pan CAN 
regards each November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. H. Res. 257 
supports Pan CAN's efforts to raise the awareness which is desperately 
needed to improve early detection methods and treatment for this 
disease.
  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.
  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House 
Resolution 257, supporting the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer 
Awareness Month. Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month aims to help educate 
communities across our country about pancreatic cancer and the need for 
research funding, early detection methods, effective treatments, and 
prevention programs. These are important goals and ones that I support 
fully.
  It is appalling that only 5 percent of persons diagnosed with 
pancreatic cancer this year will reach the five year survival mark. The 
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), founded in 1999, is 
dedicated to improving survival rates. The Network's sponsors 
innovative and highly acclaimed programs intended to meet the 
informational needs of the panereatic cancer community. The PanCAN 
founders, directors, staff, donors, affiliated health care 
professionals, partners and volunteers are to be commended for their 
work and the successes they have achieved.
  The instances of panceatic cancer in Americans--indeed instances of 
all cancers in Americans--must be reduced and survivability rates 
increased. I am committed to helping achieving those goals. But 
achieving them is not an easy task.
  For instance, as the Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific 
American Caucus' Health Task Force, I am acutely aware of the high 
rates of cancer infections present in the Asian and Pacific Islander 
American communities. I am also all too aware of the disparities that 
exist for and the challenges that must be overcome by individuals--
especially women--from minority communities in order for them to gain 
access to screening and diagnostic services for all types of cancer. 
Moreover, I remain very concerned about the scarcity of oncology 
services in rural or isolated areas in the United States, such as Guam.
  I am encouraged by the focus the Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month 
brings on the need to and importance of educating communities across 
our country about pancreatic cancer and the need for research funding, 
early detection methods, effective treatments, and prevention programs. 
I urge the leaders of the Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and PanCAN 
to work to ensure that minority communities and individuals who reside 
in rural and insular areas across our country benefit from these 
outreach efforts.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for 
time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by

[[Page H10335]]

the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 257, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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