[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 35 (Thursday, March 3, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1283-S1284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 389--DESIGNATING MARCH 6, 2016, AS THE FIRST ANNUAL 
                        ``WORLD LYMPHEDEMA DAY''

  Mr. SCHUMER (for himself and Mr. Grassley) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 389

       Whereas lymphedema is a condition that--
       (1) occurs when--
          (A) the natural lymphatic drainage system of the body is 
     damaged, blocked, or does not develop properly; and
          (B) the lymphatic fluid within a certain area, such as 
     the arm, leg, torso, head, or neck, is unable to drain 
     properly;
       (2) results in extreme swelling that impairs mobility and 
     function; and
       (3) can cause pain and significantly impair the quality of 
     life of the affected individual;
       Whereas the total number of individuals living with or at 
     risk for lymphedema is difficult to establish because 
     lymphedema is underreported and often misdiagnosed;
       Whereas the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of lymphedema 
     patients costs healthcare providers and healthcare insurers, 
     including the Medicare program, millions of dollars each year 
     because if lymphedema is left untreated--
       (1) the potential for infection is greatly increased;
       (2) infection may occur in the course of a few hours; and
       (3) immediate treatment on an emergency basis is required;
       Whereas the World Health Organization estimates that--
       (1) more than 150,000,000 individuals worldwide have 
     secondary lymphedema; and
       (2) 120,000,000 individuals worldwide are infected with 
     lymphatic filariasis, which leads to lymphedema;
       Whereas Stanford University estimates that as many as 
     10,000,000 individuals in the United States are affected by 
     lymphedema;
       Whereas lymphedema can--
       (1) as primary lymphedema, be inherited and either be 
     present at birth or manifest itself later in life; or
       (2) as secondary lymphedema, develop after cancer 
     treatment, radiation therapy, major

[[Page S1284]]

     surgery, severe burn, or certain other traumatic injuries, 
     including injuries affecting combat-tested veterans of the 
     United States;
       Whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
     estimate that a high percentage of elderly cancer survivors 
     will develop lymphedema;
       Whereas the National Cancer Institute predicts that, not 
     later than 2020--
       (1) the number of cancer survivors aged 65 or older will 
     increase by 42 percent; and
       (2) as many as 3,000,000 Medicare beneficiaries that are 
     cancer survivors will require treatment for lymphedema;
       Whereas lymphedema affects an estimated 15 percent of all 
     cancer survivors and 40 percent of all breast cancer 
     patients; and
       Whereas, in recognition of the financial, physical, and 
     psychological impact that lymphedema has on each individual 
     afflicted with lymphedema, it is incumbent on the people of 
     the United States to support--
       (1) each courageous individual living and coping with 
     lymphedema, a debilitating condition; and
       (2) each caregiver, whether a professional or not a 
     professional, of each individual afflicted with lymphedema: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That--
       (1) it is the sense of the Senate that each tireless 
     advocate and healthcare provider that spends much time and 
     many resources battling lymphedema, a painful and destructive 
     condition that affects many individuals, should be 
     recognized; and
       (2) the Senate designates March 6, 2016, as ``World 
     Lymphedema Day''.

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