[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 79 (Tuesday, May 15, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S2682]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 510--EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE DESIGNATION OF THE 
    MONTH OF MAY 2018 AS ``NATIONAL BLADDER CANCER AWARENESS MONTH''

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

                              S. Res. 510

       Whereas more than 700,000 people in the United States live 
     with bladder cancer;
       Whereas more than 81,000 people are expected to be 
     diagnosed with bladder cancer and more than 17,000 will die 
     due to the disease in 2018 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 research advancements for bladder cancer are 
     limited by a lack of awareness about the disease within the 
     medical community and the general public;
       Whereas increased awareness of bladder cancer will promote 
     early diagnosis and increase the chances of survival;
       Whereas increased awareness of bladder cancer 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 2018 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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