[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 177 (Thursday, November 20, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S10756]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 720--SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF PANCREATIC 
                         CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

  Mrs. CLINTON (for herself, Mr. Casey, and Mr. Specter) submitted the 
following resolution, which was referred to the Committee on Health, 
Education, Labor, and Pensions:

                              S. Res. 720

       Whereas approximately 37,680 people will be diagnosed with 
     pancreatic cancer this year in the United States;
       Whereas pancreatic cancer is the 4th most common cause of 
     cancer death in the United States;
       Whereas Randolph (``Randy'') Frederick Pausch, who was 
     diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2006, delivered his 
     ``Last Lecture'' on September 18, 2007, which gave a voice to 
     victims of pancreatic cancer, and inspired people to live 
     life to the fullest;
       Whereas the lecture by and advocacy of Randy Pausch have 
     brought, and will continue to bring, renewed advocacy and 
     commitment to the field of pancreatic cancer research and 
     treatment;
       Whereas the lecture by and advocacy of Randy Pausch have 
     touched countless people throughout the United States and the 
     world and encouraged them to change their lives for the 
     better;
       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 30 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 present 
     themselves, it is generally too late for an optimistic 
     prognosis, and the average survival rate of those diagnosed 
     with metastasis of the 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; and
       Whereas it would be appropriate to observe November as 
     Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month to educate communities 
     across the Nation about pancreatic cancer and the need for 
     research funding, early detection methods, effective 
     treatments, and treatment programs: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate supports the goals and ideals of 
     Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

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