[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 196 (Wednesday, November 29, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S5670]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   PANCREATIC DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH

  Mr. CASEY. Madam President, I rise today to recognize the month of 
November as Pancreatic Disease Awareness Month on behalf of Americans 
across the country suffering from pancreatic diseases.
  Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, a large gland behind 
the stomach. The pancreas has two main functions, to make insulin and 
to make enzymes that help you digest food. Pancreatitis occurs when 
enzymes damage the pancreas. It can be acute or chronic, and either 
form can lead to pain, organ failure, diabetes, disability, and 
sometimes death.
  There remains a troubling lack of awareness about conditions of the 
pancreas, such as knowing the signs and symptoms and proper treatment. 
This can lead to years of misdiagnosis and increasing severity of the 
disease.
  While scientific progress has been made because of investment in 
medical research through the National Institutes of Health and the 
Department of Defense, treatment options for pancreatitis are limited. 
Chronic or severe cases may require organ removal or significant 
surgical procedures. I am proud to work with my colleagues on an annual 
basis to support and increase funding for Federal medical research 
programs to sustain progress toward innovative treatment options and 
better patient care.
  In addition to limited treatment options, people affected by 
pancreatic diseases face challenges with health coverage and access to 
specialty care. Progress has been made with the enactment of 
legislation like the No Surprises Act and adoption of an out-of-pocket 
cap in Medicare part D through the Inflation Reduction Act, but more 
can be done to lower out-of-pocket costs.
  As a member of the HELP, Finance, and Aging Committees, the three 
committees in the Senate that handle healthcare issues, I will continue 
to work with my colleagues to address coverage, access, and health 
equity issues impacting individuals affected by conditions of the 
pancreas, as well as patients across the country.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing November as National 
Pancreatic Disease Awareness Month.

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