[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 49 (Monday, March 31, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H1787-H1789]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page H1787]]
                              {time}  1500
     SUPPORTING THE OBSERVANCE OF COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

  Mr. WYNN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 302) supporting the observance of 
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and for other purposes.
  The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
  The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 302

       Whereas colorectal cancer is the second most common cause 
     of cancer deaths for men and women in the United States;
       Whereas colorectal cancer affects men and women equally;
       Whereas more than 148,810 people in the United States will 
     be diagnosed with colon cancer this year;
       Whereas over 49,960 people in the United States will die 
     from colon cancer this year;
       Whereas every 3.5 minutes, someone is diagnosed with 
     colorectal cancer and every 9 minutes someone dies from 
     colorectal cancer;
       Whereas every 5 seconds someone who should be screened for 
     colorectal cancer is not;
       Whereas the vast majority of colon cancer deaths can be 
     prevented through proper screening and early detection;
       Whereas the survival rate of individuals who have 
     colorectal cancer is 90 percent when detected in the early 
     stages versus only a 10 percent survival rate when colorectal 
     cancer is diagnosed after it has spread to distant organs;
       Whereas only 39 percent of colorectal cancer patients have 
     their cancers detected at an early stage;
       Whereas uninsured Americans are more likely to be diagnosed 
     with late stage colon cancer than patients with private 
     insurance;
       Whereas only 18.8 percent of those without health coverage 
     in the United States have currently been properly screened 
     for colorectal cancer;
       Whereas if the majority of Americans age 50 or older were 
     screened regularly for colorectal cancer, the death rate from 
     this disease could plummet by up to 80 percent;
       Whereas regular colorectal cancer screening has been ranked 
     as one of the most cost effective screening interventions 
     available, with the potential to save more than 30,000 lives 
     a year;
       Whereas treatment costs for colorectal cancer are extremely 
     high, estimated at $8,400,000,000 for 2004;
       Whereas increasing the number of people between the ages of 
     50 years and 64 years of age who are regularly screened in 
     the United States, would provide significant savings in 
     billions of dollars to the Medicare program from cancer 
     prevention and treatment costs;
       Whereas the Blue Star, developed by the Members of the 
     National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, the American Cancer 
     Society, the Colon Cancer Alliance, and C3: Colorectal Cancer 
     Coalition represents the collective fight against colon 
     cancer, the eternal memory of the people whose lives have 
     already been lost to the disease, and the shining hope for a 
     future free of colon cancer;
       Whereas Coaches vs. Cancer (a partnership between the 
     American Cancer Society and the National Association of 
     Basketball Coaches), the Colon Cancer Alliance, and Ethicon 
     Endo-Surgery have created ``Earn a Blue Star Day'' as a means 
     for individuals and corporations to raise awareness of the 
     importance of screening for colon cancer;
       Whereas greater awareness of this cancer and the means to 
     prevent it will save the lives of tens of thousands of 
     Americans each year; and
       Whereas observing a Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 
     during the month of March would provide a special opportunity 
     to offer education on the importance of early detection and 
     screening: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That the Congress--
       (1) supports the observance of Colorectal Cancer Awareness 
     Month in order to provide a special opportunity to offer 
     education on the importance of early detection and screening;
       (2) recognizes and applauds the national and community 
     organizations for their work in promoting awareness about 
     colorectal cancer, providing information on the importance of 
     prevention and early detection through regular screening, and 
     facilitating access to treatment for its sufferers; and
       (3) urges organizations and health practitioners to ``earn 
     a Blue Star'' by using this opportunity to promote awareness 
     about colorectal cancer and to support early identification 
     and removal of pre-cancerous polyps, detectable only through 
     colorectal cancer screenings.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Maryland (Mr. Wynn) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Maryland.


                             General Leave

  Mr. WYNN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include 
extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Maryland?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. WYNN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 302. This bill does 
three things: First, it calls for the designation of March as 
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Second, it recognizes national and 
community organizations for their work in promoting the importance of 
prevention and early detection through regular colorectal screenings. 
Third, it urges organizations and health practitioners to ``earn a Blue 
Star'' by using this opportunity to increase awareness about colorectal 
cancer. And I will talk more about the blue star in just a minute.
  But first let me note that colorectal cancer is the third most common 
type of cancer and the second most deadly. Approximately 148,000 
Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year, and 
49,000 will die from the disease.
  Every 3 minutes a loved one is diagnosed with colorectal cancer. 
Every 9 minutes a loved one dies from the disease. Every 5 seconds a 
loved one who should be screened for colorectal cancer is not.
  Colorectal cancer is a silent killer which often causes no symptoms 
until it reaches the latest stages. Colorectal screenings save lives by 
catching the disease in its earlier stages. If detected at an early 
stage, the 5-year survival rate for colorectal cancer is 90 percent. If 
it is not detected until the later stage, the 5-year survival rate 
plummets to just 10 percent.
  This tragedy disproportionately affects minorities, particularly 
African Americans, who are less likely to have access to health 
insurance or see a doctor on a regular basis. As a result, African 
Americans are diagnosed later and are 40 percent more likely to die 
from the disease. In 2007, 1,600 cases of colorectal cancer occurred 
among African Americans.
  Hoping to repeat the success of the red ribbon in symbolizing AIDS 
and the pink ribbon in symbolizing breast cancer, the National 
Colorectal Cancer Roundtable has selected a blue star to symbolize the 
fight against colorectal cancer. The star serves a dual purpose; it 
recognizes the eternal memory of those people whose lives have already 
been lost to the disease, and it is a shining hope for a future free of 
colon cancer.
  This resolution recognizes the important work that national and 
community organizations have already done in promoting awareness about 
colorectal cancer, including the creation of Earn a Blue Star day.
  Additionally, the resolution encourages organizations and health care 
practitioners to earn a blue star by supporting early identification 
and removal of precancerous polyps.
  Recognizing March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month provides us a 
special opportunity to focus on education about screening and early 
detection. As we continue to work to find a cure for colorectal cancer, 
it is vital that we work together to increase awareness about screening 
in order to prevent the disease from reaching its deadly conclusion.
  Before I conclude, I want to thank my colleagues, Representative Kay 
Granger and Representative Patrick Kennedy, for their leadership on 
this issue. Although Representative Granger could not be here today, I 
know that she cares very deeply about this issue and has worked hard to 
bring this resolution to the floor.
  I now want to urge my colleagues to join me in support of the 
adoption of this resolution.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself so much time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed 
cancer. It's the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the 
United States; clearly a major player in our cancer burden here in this 
country. Every 3\1/2\ minutes someone is diagnosed with colorectal 
cancer. Every 9

[[Page H1788]]

minutes someone dies from colorectal cancer.
  This is a disease that affects men and women equally. This year, 
almost 150,000 new cases will be diagnosed, and almost 50,000 deaths 
will be caused by colorectal cancer. The real tragedy is that many of 
these cancer cases and deaths do not have to happen. The vast majority 
of colorectal cancer deaths can be prevented through proper screening 
and early detection. This resolution recognizes March as Colorectal 
Cancer Awareness Month.
  My good friend from Maryland talked about disparities; indeed, 
disparities do occur. And one of the things we can do to diminish those 
disparities is to talk. We can talk more about this disease. And the 
more we encourage our family and friends, our neighbors to get 
screened, the more lives we can, in fact, save.
  But recognizing Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is not enough. We 
do need to increase Federal funding for early detection and screening. 
So, along with Congressman Wynn, Representative Granger has introduced 
a bill that would authorize funding for early detection screenings and 
make preventive care a priority. Specifically, the Colorectal Cancer 
Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Act, H.R. 738, would 
establish a national screening program for colorectal cancer for 
individuals over 50 years of age and/or who are at high risk. It would 
also authorize State funding for these screenings, and it would create 
a public awareness and education campaign for colorectal cancer.
  Despite scientific evidence supporting the benefits of screenings, 
screenings remain low for this disease in the United States, and every 
5 seconds someone who should be screened is not. When colorectal cancer 
is diagnosed late, the survival rate for cancer is only 10 percent, but 
if it's diagnosed early, before spread has occurred, the survival rate 
is in excess of 90 percent. Early detection and screening saves lives.
  If everyone over 50 years of age were screened regularly for colon 
cancer, the death rate for this disease could plummet by 80 percent. In 
addition to saving lives, early detection and screening clearly would 
save money.
  Treatment costs for colon cancer are extremely high and could be 
greatly reduced if mass screenings occurred. Colon cancer treatment 
costs totaled roughly $8.5 billion for new cases in 2007. Let me say 
that again, almost $8.5 billion for 2007. The costs of two-thirds of 
these cancer cases are borne by the Medicare program.
  The Lewin Group recently conducted a comprehensive study of the 
potential cost savings to Medicare and found that every 10 years a 
colon cancer screening program will result in a savings of about 1\1/2\ 
years worth of Medicare expenditures. If screenings were increased 
among people 50 years of age and older in the United States, it would 
save billions of dollars in Medicare expenditures, not to mention the 
thousands of lives that would be spared.
  The Colon Cancer Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Act 
ensures that people who are screened will get the full continuum of 
cancer care, including the appropriate follow-up for abnormal tests, 
diagnostic and therapeutic services, and treatment for detected 
cancers.
  Observing Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month provides us with the 
opportunity to discuss the importance of early detection and of 
screening. It also provides us the opportunity to thank the thousands 
of volunteers and the national and community organizations for their 
work in promoting awareness of this disease. Groups like the Prevent 
Cancer Foundation, the National Colorectal Cancer Society Roundtable, 
the American Cancer Society, the Colon Cancer Alliance, and C3: 
Colorectal Cancer Coalition, these groups have created the ``Earn a 
Blue Star Day'' as a way for individuals and corporations to raise 
awareness of the importance of screening for this cancer.
  I encourage my colleagues in the House to ``earn a blue star'' by 
using this opportunity to promote awareness of colon cancer and to 
support early detection and screening.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WYNN. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to the 
gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Kennedy).
  Mr. KENNEDY. I would like to thank the gentleman from Maryland for 
his ambitious efforts on behalf of this issue. He has been tireless on 
behalf of spreading the word on the issue of prevention of colorectal 
cancer. I can recall for many years being invited to participate in 
events where he has been out there talking about prevention and 
prevention, prevention, prevention. I salute him for his efforts and 
thank him for his service to our country on behalf of this very 
important issue.
  He said it as clear as anyone could say it, and that is that the most 
common reason people give for why they have not had a colorectal cancer 
screening is that it wasn't recommended to them. And the most common 
reason that people die of colorectal cancer is because they haven't 
been screened. So, what is the answer? The answer is we have to get 
people to recommend that they get a screening for colorectal cancer. If 
they get the recommendation that they get screened, then they have a 90 
percent chance of survival. It's that simple.
  Why are people dying of an illness that is so preventable? Because 
they're not being told, first, that the statistics are what they are, 
that this is preventable; and two, that the professions out there need 
to get about doing what they need to do to make those recommendations 
that people get the screening. If you're 50 and older, you need to get 
the screening. If you have it in your family, you need to get the 
screening. And these are the simple messages that we need to get out to 
the general public. And Al Wynn has been the leader in this Congress in 
making sure those messages get out to the public. And I want to thank 
Kay Granger for her efforts as well in sponsoring this bill.
  But the fact of the matter is that we cannot sit idly by and think 
that this is something that simply is a matter of saving dollars. I 
want to thank my friend, Mr. Burgess, for pointing out that we save 
lots of money if we screen early. He pointed out accurately that the 
Lewin Group said that we spent nearly $8.5 billion just this last year 
treating colorectal cancer. Two-thirds of that will be paid by the 
Federal Government; two-thirds will be paid by our taxpayers. And 
imagine if we had screening, we could avoid that cost. If we had 
screening, the cost of a screening could avoid all the heavy expenses 
of that treatment. But imagine all the lives that it will save? Imagine 
all the fathers and mothers and sons and daughters and brothers and 
sisters who would be spared the awful trauma of having to be treated 
with cancer.
  This is the right thing to do. It's not only the right thing to do, 
you know, financially, which should be a no-brainer for us in Congress, 
we're looking for ways to save money, this is a money saver, but this 
is the right thing to do for our people in terms of saving them the 
heartache. So, what do we need to do? We need to cover people.
  In my State of Rhode Island, we already mandate, our insurance 
coverage already requires it. But unfortunately, as the American Cancer 
Society is trying to do nationally, we have 47 million Americans 
without health insurance. And until we get more people covered with 
health insurance, there are going to continue to be people who fall 
off.
  That's why this legislation is so important. It sets up grants to 
States so that we can target those who don't have health insurance so 
that they can get the screening. If we know that they have colorectal 
cancer polyps prescreening, then we know we can get in there and make 
sure that they get the treatment early so that we're not stuck as a 
society having to pay down the road for the most costly and expensive 
kinds of treatment through the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
  So, my friends, this is something that we need to do. I salute all of 
those in the cancer community who have been trying to preach this 
message. This is a message that needs to be preached. And I think that 
every month ought to be Cancer Awareness Month. I'm just happy that we 
now finally are getting about focusing on an illness that has been too 
quiet, too quiet. When you compare it to breast cancer, cervical 
cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer screenings are the lowest of 
all of them, the lowest,

[[Page H1789]]

because it has been the most stigmatized of all cancers.

                              {time}  1515

  But colorectal cancer can no longer remain that way because too many 
people are dying as a result.
  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, at this time I will reserve my time.
  Mr. WYNN. Madam Speaker, at this time I recognize the distinguished 
gentlelady from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky) for 2 minutes.
  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, first, I want to thank Congressman 
Wynn for his effort to bring this critical resolution to the floor 
today. I'm glad to be here to speak out in strong support of H. Con. 
Res. 302, a resolution to recognize March as Colorectal Cancer 
Awareness Month.
  My family and my life, like so many others, have been touched by 
someone with cancer. Two and a half years ago, after fighting 
courageously for a year, my amazing daughter-in-law, Fiona, died of 
colorectal cancer, leaving behind two young children, a husband and 
many loving family members and friends. At 38 years old, she died, not 
having a screening, and though, in retrospect, she had symptoms. Too 
many of us have either struggled with cancer ourselves or know of 
someone who has.
  I recently saw a new study from the CDC saying that colorectal cancer 
testing has risen steadily since 2002, and this is very encouraging 
news. But another study that appeared in the Journal CANCER at the end 
of last year is extremely troubling to me. It shows a significant 
underuse of colorectal cancer screening procedures among Medicare 
beneficiaries. In fact, only 25 percent of Medicare beneficiaries 
received recommended screening.
  Mr. WYNN. The gentlelady is granted an additional 30 seconds.
  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. In fact, only 25 percent of Medicare patients 
received recommended screening during the study period.
  We have to do better. We must work to expand public education and 
understanding of the benefits of screening. Congress needs to make it a 
priority to reduce the amount of out-of-pocket-costs associated with 
cancer screening to ensure that those who may be at risk of developing 
colorectal cancer get screened. And as the richest country in the 
world, we need to act to make sure that everyone gets the medical care 
they need.
  You've heard the statistics. If caught early the survival rate is 90 
percent; if not, it's only 10 percent.
  Through the establishment of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month we 
will add to the over one million colorectal cancer survivors living in 
America today.
  I urge my colleagues to support this wonderful resolution, and I 
thank the gentleman for introducing it.
  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I will yield myself 1 minute for the 
purpose of closing.
  This is an important bill and I do encourage my colleagues to support 
this bill. Have the test, find the polyp, get the cure. It's really 
that simple.
  One of the problems with serving in Congress is you recognize that we 
move so slowly on so many things. Madam Speaker, there are going to be 
new medicines, new tests. We're on the threshold of great things in all 
areas of medicine. The study of colon cancer is no small part of that.
  But the reality is today there is a test, there is a test that can be 
easily done. A cure is just around the corner for someone who might 
suffer from this disease.
  So I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation. I 
thank my friend from Maryland for bringing it forward, and I'll yield 
back the balance of my time.
  Mr. WYNN. Madam Speaker, I'd just like to take a moment to thank Dr. 
Burgess for his support of this legislation. He expounded on it quite 
well, and we appreciate his support. Also Ms. Granger, who I indicated 
could not be here.
  I particularly want to thank my colleagues on the Democratic side of 
the aisle, Ms. Schakowsky, who obviously has a tremendous personal 
story to tell in support of this legislation, and also Mr. Kennedy, 
with whom I've worked with, and has had a tremendous passion in support 
of this measure.
  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of a 
resolution offered by a fellow Texan, Congresswoman Granger, 
recognizing the month of March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
  There are few diagnoses that strike more fear into Americans than 
being diagnosed with cancer. More than 10 million Americans currently 
live with cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 
1.4 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed this year.
  In the United States, colorectal cancer is the fourth most common 
cancer in men and women. If it is caught early, it is often curable. 
Regular colorectal cancer screening or testing is one of the best ways 
to prevent colorectal cancer.
  Once abnormal cells start to grow, it takes approximately 10 to 15 
years to develop into colorectal cancer. Regular colorectal cancer 
screening can prevent colorectal cancer altogether because some polyps 
and growths are identified and removed before they turn into cancer. 
Screening can also result in finding colorectal cancer early, when it 
is highly curable.
  Houston's MD Anderson Cancer Center is located near my district so I 
have seen the effectiveness of research and treatments that have come 
from investment in cancer research programs. However, the easiest way 
to prevent, treat, and recover from cancer is to find it early.
  That is why recognizing the month of March as Colorectal Cancer 
Awareness Month is important. Letting people know that they should be 
regularly tested for colorectal cancer is the first step in saving 
lives.
  I want to thank my colleague, Representative Granger, and urge my 
colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. WYNN. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Wynn) that the House suspend the rules and 
agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 302.
  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. WYNN. Madam 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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