[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 79 (Thursday, May 21, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S3247]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 187--EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE DESIGNATION OF THE 
   MONTH OF MAY 2015, AS ``NATIONAL BLADDER CANCER AWARENESS MONTH''

  Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Mr. Isakson, and Mr. Schatz) submitted the 
following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 187

       Whereas 500,000 families in the United States live with 
     bladder cancer;
       Whereas more than 74,000 people are expected to be 
     diagnosed with bladder cancer and 16,000 will die due to the 
     disease in 2015 alone;
       Whereas bladder cancer affects people of all ages and 
     backgrounds and is among the top 10 cancers with the highest 
     incidence rates in the United States;
       Whereas bladder cancer is known as one of the most 
     expensive cancers to treat on a per patient basis with a 
     recurrence rate of approximately 50 to 80 percent, requiring 
     lifelong surveillance;
       Whereas bladder cancer symptoms, such as blood in the 
     urine, are easily recognized, however, many are unaware of 
     the threat of bladder cancer, often prolonging the time to 
     diagnosis;
       Whereas if diagnosed early, bladder cancer is treatable;
       Whereas military veterans are twice as likely as 
     nonveterans to be diagnosed with bladder cancer;
       Whereas women are often diagnosed at a later stage in the 
     development of bladder cancer, and when diagnosed at the same 
     stage as men, women have a worse prognosis;
       Whereas if diagnosis and treatment are delayed, the life 
     expectancy of an individual with bladder cancer decreases;
       Whereas the quality of life of a person with bladder cancer 
     will depend on future treatment and diagnosis developments, 
     which will rely on research advancements;
       Whereas there have been no new treatments approved by the 
     Food and Drug Administration for bladder cancer in over 10 
     years;
       Whereas research advancements for bladder cancer are 
     limited by lack of awareness about the disease within the 
     medical community and general public;
       Whereas increased awareness will promote early diagnosis 
     and increase the chances of survival;
       Whereas increased awareness will bolster public support of 
     the disease and thus increase funding for innovative research 
     and the development of new treatment options and diagnostic 
     tools;
       Whereas traditionally on the first Saturday in May each 
     year, survivors, caregivers, and loved ones walk together 
     throughout the United States to raise awareness of bladder 
     cancer;
       Whereas the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network and its 
     community of patients, caregivers, and specialists seek--
       (1) to foster a community of hope and support;
       (2) to fund and conduct research for innovative treatments 
     and diagnostic tools; and
       (3) to increase public awareness and understanding of 
     bladder cancer; and

       Whereas May would be an appropriate month to designate as 
     ``National Bladder Cancer Awareness Month'': Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) supports the designation of May 2015, as ``National 
     Bladder Cancer Awareness Month'';
       (2) supports the goals and ideals of National Bladder 
     Cancer Awareness Month; and
       (3) calls on the people of the United States, interested 
     groups, and affected persons--
       (A) to promote awareness of bladder cancer and to foster 
     understanding of the impact of the disease on patients and 
     their families and caregivers;
       (B) to take an active role in the fight to end bladder 
     cancer; and
       (C) to observe National Bladder Cancer Awareness Month with 
     appropriate ceremonies and activities.

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