[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 79 (Wednesday, May 30, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E898]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               MAY 2012 AS NATIONAL CANCER RESEARCH MONTH

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                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 30, 2012

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of May 2012 as National 
Cancer Research Month.
  National Cancer Research Month recognizes the important role that 
cancer research plays in the lives of all Americans. Over 570,000 
people in the U.S. die from cancer every year. However, federally and 
privately funded cancer research has led to the development of 
innovative diagnostics and treatments that have greatly increased the 
odds of survival. As a result, the country's cancer death rate has 
decreased 17 percent in the past 20 years.
  Besides improving the health of Americans, cancer research also has 
dramatic impacts on our economy. Research funding supports employment 
at universities and research institutes and it also leads to the 
formation of new businesses that spread biomedical innovation and 
sustain jobs.
  Despite real progress in recent years, now is not the time to rest on 
our laurels in terms of either funding or attention. There is still 
significant progress to be made in the battle against cancer. Continued 
investment in research through the federal government is vital for 
ensuring that we move forward in this fight for health and 
survivorship. That is why I joined Representative Markey and over 150 
of my House colleagues in asking the Appropriations Committee to 
provide at least $32 billion in funding to the National Institutes of 
Health for the 2013 fiscal year. Fighting cancer is a national 
priority, and Congress must step up and provide the necessary 
resources.
  I urge all my colleagues to join me in recognizing the importance of 
cancer research and its essential role in supporting the health, 
economy, and international leadership of our nation.

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