[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 41 (Thursday, March 7, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E263-E264]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN RECOGNITION OF WORLD LYMPHEDEMA DAY

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 7, 2019

  Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay 
tribute to World Lymphedema Day. World Lymphedema Day is committed to 
increasing awareness of a disease that affects up to 10 million 
Americans and as many as 200 million people worldwide.
  Lymphedema is an extremely understudied yet common disease that 
occurs when the body's natural lymphatic drainage system is 
underdeveloped, blocked, or damaged. The lymphatic fluid, unable to 
properly drain, becomes trapped in a particular area of the body like 
the arms, legs, torso, head, or neck. The resulting swelling can hinder 
mobility and impair proper bodily functions. In many cases, the 
swelling can cause extreme pain dramatically reducing quality of life.
  Stanford University estimates that 10 million Americans are affected 
by Lymphedema; however, Lymphedema research continues to be chronically 
underfunded. This has led to an unfortunate number of misdiagnoses and 
under-treatment of the disease, which add significant costs to patients 
and the healthcare industry.
  Lymphedema can be inheritable or result from a trauma or health 
complication later in life. Secondary Lymphedema is reported to develop 
after health experiences such as cancer treatment, radiation therapy, 
major surgery, and severe burns. Combat injuries sustained by the brave 
men and women who serve our country significantly increase the risk of 
developing Lymphedema.
  Lymphedema affects an estimated 15 percent of all cancer survivors 
and 40 percent of all breast cancer survivors. This is particularly 
concerning as one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer 
at some point in their lives.
  In 2016, the New York State legislature became the first legislative 
body in the world to recognize March 6 as Annual World Lymphedema Day 
and the U.S. Senate commemorated the day in the last Congress.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
amazing dedication and strength of the advocates, patients, and health 
care providers calling for increased awareness of and research funding 
for Lymphedema as we mark World Lymphedema Day.

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