[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9987]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     NATIONAL CANCER RESEARCH MONTH

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                         HON. BRIAN P. BILBRAY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 27, 2010

  Mr. BILBRAY. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the millions 
of Americans and the researchers that are fighting every day to end 
cancer. As you know, May is National Cancer Research month and all 
across our great Nation, men and women are working not only to overcome 
this devastating disease that claims half a million American lives 
every year, but also to prevent it.
  Unquestionably, the Nation's investment in cancer research is having 
a remarkable impact.
  Thanks to discoveries and developments in prevention, early 
detection, and more effective treatments, many of the more than 200 
diseases called cancer have been cured or converted into manageable 
chronic conditions while preserving quality of life. The 5-year 
survival rate for all cancers has improved over the past 30 years to 
more than 65 percent. Advances in cancer research have had significant 
implications for the treatment of other costly diseases such as 
diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's, HIV/AIDS and macular 
degeneration.
  However, there is much left to be done, as cancer remains the leading 
cause of death for Americans under age 85 and the second leading cause 
of death overall. We must continue to strengthen our Nation's 
commitment to lifesaving research for the health and wellbeing of all 
Americans.
  I want to commend the hard work and dedication of all those who are 
on the front lines of the quest for the prevention and cure of cancer. 
Organizations such as the American Association for Cancer Research, 
AACR, American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 
and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network are fighting hard every day to 
eradicate Cancer in partnership with the American taxpayer and NIH.
  I was pleased to learn that President Obama nominated Dr. Harold 
Varmus to head the National Cancer Institute, NCI. As NIH Director 
under President Clinton, Dr. Varmus was instrumental in the historic 
growth of this great agency. As NCI tackles the health mysteries 
surrounding Cancer, it is heartening to know it will be lead by such a 
distinguished and capable scientist.
  As we celebrate National Cancer Research Month this May, I hope that 
this Congress will continue to make cancer research a national priority 
and ensure continued progress for the hope and benefit of all Americans 
who have or will be touched by this dreaded disease.

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