[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 116 (Friday, July 29, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S5078]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 245--DESIGNATING NOVEMBER 2011 AS ``STOMACH CANCER 
 AWARENESS MONTH'' AND SUPPORTING EFFORTS TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT 
                             STOMACH CANCER

  Mr. KERRY (for himself and Mr. Durbin) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 245

       Whereas stomach cancer is 1 of the most difficult cancers 
     to detect and treat in the early stages of the disease, which 
     contributes to high mortality rates and human suffering;
       Whereas stomach cancer is the second-leading cause of 
     cancer mortality worldwide;
       Whereas, in 2009, an estimated 21,000 new cases of stomach 
     cancer were diagnosed in the United States;
       Whereas, in 2010, it was estimated that 10,000 people in 
     the United States would die from stomach cancer;
       Whereas the estimated 5-year survival rate for stomach 
     cancer is only 26 percent;
       Whereas approximately 1 in 113 individuals will be 
     diagnosed with stomach cancer in their lifetimes;
       Whereas an inherited form of stomach cancer carries a 67- 
     to 83-percent risk that an individual will be diagnosed with 
     stomach cancer by 80 years of age;
       Whereas, in the United States, stomach cancer is more 
     prevalent among racial and ethnic minorities;
       Whereas better patient and health care provider education 
     is needed for the timely recognition of stomach cancer risks 
     and symptoms;
       Whereas more research into effective early diagnosis, 
     screening, and treatment for stomach cancer is needed; and
       Whereas November 2011 is an appropriate month to observe 
     ``Stomach Cancer Awareness Month'': Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates November 2011 as ``Stomach Cancer Awareness 
     Month'';
       (2) supports efforts to educate the people of the United 
     States about stomach cancer;
       (3) recognizes the need for additional research into early 
     diagnosis and treatment for stomach cancer; and
       (4) encourages the people of the United States and 
     interested groups to observe and support November 2011 as 
     ``Stomach Cancer Awareness Month'' through appropriate 
     programs and activities to promote public awareness of, and 
     potential treatments for, stomach cancer.

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