[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 82 (Thursday, May 27, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S4513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     NATIONAL CANCER RESEARCH MONTH

  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize May as National 
Cancer Research Month. This year, nearly 1.5 million Americans will be 
diagnosed with cancer and more than 500,000 will die from the disease. 
Of course, when we talk about cancer, we are referring to more than 200 
diseases but taken together, cancer remains the leading cause of death 
for Americans under age 85, and the second leading cause of death 
overall.
  In my capacity as a member of the Senate Committee on Health, 
Education, Labor, and Pensions, I have spent my career fighting 
alongside my colleagues to provide increased funding for medical 
research to ensure that organizations like the National Institutes of 
Health have the ability to continue their critical lifesaving work. It 
remains my hope that, as the NIH continues to provide us with new and 
innovative research and treatments, we will continue to provide them 
with the resources they need.
  As a person directly affected by cancer, I believe we must continue 
to strengthen our Nation's commitment to this lifesaving research for 
the health and well-being of all Americans. The nation's investment in 
cancer research is having a remarkable impact. Discoveries and 
developments in prevention, early detection, and more effective 
treatments have helped to find cures for many types of cancers, and 
have converted others into manageable chronic conditions. The 5-year 
survival rate for all cancers has improved over the past 30 years to 
more than 65 per cent, and advances in cancer research have had 
significant implications for the treatment of other costly diseases 
such as diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's, HIV/AIDS and macular 
degeneration.
  I take this opportunity not only to mention the value and importance 
of cancer research, but also to remember the people in my life who have 
been touched by this disease. Last year alone, we lost not only my 
sister Martha, but my dear friend Ted Kennedy to aggressive forms of 
cancer. Like many of my constituents whose lives have been touched by 
cancer, I think of them every day--and their battles strengthen my 
resolve to fight for better treatment and more cures.
  I want to thank every one of my constituents who have come to my 
office to meet with my staff and me about this disease. It is no secret 
that cancer touches the lives of more Americans than those who are just 
diagnosed with it--friends and family also face the difficulty of 
supporting their loved ones through these hard times. I know how much 
time, effort and resources they expend on these trips. Many of them are 
sick or in recovery, or taking care of very ill loved ones, yet they 
still find the time to come down and share their stories with us, and I 
thank them for it. Their stories, anecdotes and struggles give a face 
to the people all across the country whose lives are touched by this 
important research, and hearing about them help us to do our jobs 
better. We could not have gotten health care reform passed without 
their constant efforts and support.
  In commemorating May as National Cancer Research Month, we recognize 
the importance of cancer research and the invaluable contributions made 
by scientists and clinicians across the U.S. who are working not only 
to overcome this devastating disease, but also to prevent it. I lend my 
support as a father of two girls, as a husband, and as a public servant 
to supporting those who struggle with this deadly disease and I urge my 
colleagues to join me and do the same.

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