[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 87 (Monday, June 11, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3896-S3897]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                OBSERVING NATIONAL CANCER RESEARCH MONTH

 Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, today I wish to commemorate 
National Cancer Research Month, honoring the courageous and determined 
researchers, clinicians, and patients, who contribute their energy and 
talent to our Nation's progress in cancer prevention and treatment. In 
May, we recognized their bravery and unfaltering commitment to fighting 
a complex, multifarious disease that affects millions of Americans. 
This year, I particularly acknowledge the prevalence and continuing 
scourge of tobacco-related cancers and efforts made to combat them 
through innovative research, prevention measures, and programs for the

[[Page S3897]]

cessation of tobacco use. Lung cancer is the second-most diagnosed 
cancer and the most commonly fatal form of cancer for both men and 
women in our country.
  Through comprehensive efforts of leading institutions our Nation 
teams up in the quest for more information, campaigns for prevention 
awareness, and researches and disseminates improved treatments. The 
American Association for Cancer Research, AACR, is the oldest and 
largest scientific organization in the world dedicated to cancer, and 
it has led to the creation of several other leading cancer research 
centers in Connecticut and throughout the nation. The work of these 
cutting-edge institutions--guided by dedicated leaders in clinical 
research and education awareness--advance our understanding of cancer 
treatment and prevention every day. They are improving quality of care, 
enhancing our ability to reach a larger national audience, and 
developing personalized treatments.
  Connecticut has been on the frontlines of pioneering novel methods of 
researching and treating tobacco-related cancers. For example, Yale 
Cancer Center, under the direction of Dr. Roy Herbst--Associate 
Director for Translational Research and the Chief of Medical Oncology--
has focused on lung cancer research and clinical care, spearheading a 
vast number of anticancer drug studies. He has placed original DNA 
research into the traditional scientific method and used this framework 
to discover cancer treatments that are catered to the individual 
patient. In this way, the type of tumor becomes less important than the 
underlying genetic driver. He is a role model for our Nation's 
researchers and physicians and an inspiration to current and future 
medical students.
  Today, I also commend the bravery of patients who participate in 
novel clinical trials. By assuming risk and embracing the unknown, 
these cancer patients help to further medical research and look out for 
future generations.
  Throughout Connecticut and the nation, we have seen the positive 
effects of national organizations with engaged, local arms, such as the 
AACR, the American Lung Association, and Tobacco Free Kids. These 
institutions have shown Americans of all generations the carcinogenic 
effects of tobacco products. The AACR's Task Force on Tobacco and 
Cancer drives the message that cancer research and the dissemination of 
this new information to Americans are equally important in fighting our 
national cancer epidemic. The American Lung Association creates a forum 
for Americans and their families, empowering smokers--and those with 
loved ones who are addicted to tobacco--with the tough truth while 
offering proactive ways to integrate what we know about tobacco and 
cancer into daily life. Tobacco Free Kids keeps watch over Federal, 
State, and local government initiatives against tobacco addiction, 
building and maintaining momentum for a national tobacco policy and 
cancer prevention campaign.
  These three organizations--as well as a number of other groups--host 
critically important forums for policy experts, lawmakers, and the 
public. They explain the science behind tobacco-related cancers and 
teach Americans how to care for their long-term health and the well-
being of our future generations through smoking-cessation techniques 
and treatments. Today, the National Cancer Policy Forum is hosting a 
workshop on ``Reducing Tobacco-Related Cancer Incidence and Mortality'' 
at the National Academy of Sciences. I applaud this exemplary 
conference of panel discussions, new ideas, and collaboration--that 
brings together physicians, administrators, researchers, and 
organizations to foster proactive measures that inspire healthy 
futures.
  At a time when Federal and State investment into prevention programs 
is at an unfortunate low, these leading institutions prove we can save 
lives through education and awareness. We must also continue to support 
robust medical research funding through the National Institutes of 
Health, the Centers for Disease Control, the U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services, and the Federal Drug Administration, to maintain 
and continue to improve upon our Nation's comprehensive and effective 
approach to fighting tobacco-related cancers.
  In the face of this truly devastating disease that takes one American 
per minute, those that work fastidiously towards prevention and a cure, 
are true heroes. Their quest for knowledge gives us hope. I am 
especially proud of the great progress made in Connecticut, and hope my 
colleagues will join me in supporting these efforts and those around 
the nation as we unite in the fight against cancer--which continues to 
be the second leading cause of death in America.

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