[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 60 (Thursday, May 5, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S2747]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 172--RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF CANCER RESEARCH 
  AND THE CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY SCIENTISTS AND CLINICIANS ACROSS THE 
   UNITED STATES WHO ARE DEDICATED TO FINDING A CURE FOR CANCER, AND 
      DESIGNATING MAY 2011, AS ``NATIONAL CANCER RESEARCH MONTH''

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, Mrs. Hutchison, Mr. Begich, Mr. Brown of 
Ohio, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Johnson of South Dakota, Mr. Kirk, Ms. Landrieu, 
Mr. Moran, Mr. Tester, and Mr. Casey) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, 
Labor, and Pensions:

                              S. Res. 172

       Whereas in 2011, cancer remains one of the most pressing 
     public health concerns in the United States, with 1,500,000 
     Americans expected to be diagnosed with cancer and more than 
     500,000 expected to die from the disease;
       Whereas the term ``cancer'' refers to more than 200 
     diseases that collectively represent the leading cause of 
     death for Americans under age 85, and the second leading 
     cause of death for Americans overall;
       Whereas the national investment in cancer research has 
     yielded substantial returns in research advances and lives 
     saved, with a scholarly estimate that every 1 percent decline 
     in cancer mortality saves the United States economy 
     $500,000,000,000;
       Whereas advancements in the understanding of the causes, 
     mechanisms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer 
     have led to cures for many types of cancers and have 
     converted other types of cancers into manageable chronic 
     conditions;
       Whereas the 5-year survival rate for all cancers has 
     improved during the 30 years prior to the date of approval of 
     this resolution to more than 65 percent, and as of 2011, 
     there are more than 12,000,000 cancer survivors living in the 
     United States;
       Whereas partnerships with research scientists and the 
     general public, survivors and patient advocates, 
     philanthropic organizations, industry, and Federal, State, 
     and local governments have led to advanced breakthroughs, 
     early detection tools that have increased survival rates, and 
     a better quality of life for cancer survivors; and
       Whereas advances in cancer research have had significant 
     implications for the treatment of other costly diseases such 
     as diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, HIV/AIDS, 
     and macular degeneration: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes the importance of cancer research and the 
     invaluable contributions of the researchers in the United 
     States and worldwide and who are dedicated to reversing the 
     cancer epidemic;
       (2) designates May 2011, as ``National Cancer Research 
     Month''; and
       (3) supports efforts to make cancer research a national and 
     international priority so that one day the more than 200 
     diseases known as cancer are eliminated.

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