[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.
____________________