[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 128 (Thursday, September 20, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S6556]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 573--DESIGNATING THE THIRD WEEK OF JANUARY 2013, AS 
                     ``TEEN CANCER AWARENESS WEEK''

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

                              S. Res. 573

       Whereas cancer among adolescents is rare, but is still the 
     leading cause of death from disease for teenagers between the 
     ages of 15 and 19;
       Whereas teenage cancer patients receive treatment at 
     various types of medical establishments, including pediatric 
     hospitals, pediatric oncology centers, and adult cancer 
     facilities;
       Whereas teenage cancer patients may feel out of place in 
     any of these settings if their clinical and psychosocial 
     needs are not met;
       Whereas 40 percent of cancer patients aged 14 and younger 
     are enrolled in clinical trials, compared with only 9 percent 
     of cancer patients between the ages of 15 and 24;
       Whereas teenagers with cancer have unique concerns about 
     their education, social lives, body image, and infertility, 
     among other concerns, and their needs may be misunderstood or 
     unacknowledged;
       Whereas many adolescent cancer survivors have difficulty 
     readjusting to school and social settings, experience 
     anxiety, and in some cases face increased learning 
     difficulties; and
       Whereas it is important to understand the biological and 
     clinical needs of teenagers with cancer, seek the prevention 
     of cancer in teenagers, and increase awareness in the general 
     public of the unique challenges facing teenagers with cancer: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate designates the third week of 
     January 2013 as ``Teen Cancer Awareness Week'' to promote 
     awareness of teenage cancer and the unique medical and social 
     needs of teenagers with cancer.

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