Childhood Cancer Resolution Passed by House - Women's Congressional Policy Institute

On September 25, the House approved, by voice vote, a resolution (H. Res. 470) supporting efforts to increase childhood cancer awareness, treatment, and research.

Sponsored by Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-OH), the resolution contains a number of findings, including:

an estimated 12,400 children will have been diagnosed with cancer in the year 2005;
cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children under age 15;
the incidence of cancer among children in the United States is rising by about one percent each year;
while some progress has been made, a number of opportunities for childhood cancer research still remain unfunded or underfunded; and
up to two-thirds of childhood cancer survivors are likely to experience at least one late effect from treatment, many of which may be life-threatening.Rep. Pryce said, “This resolution is about a promise to these families that medical advancement and understanding, coupled with a new resolve among researchers, advocates, and public officials, will one day eradicate the heartache of pediatric cancer, and promise to the children of our nation that we will do better to help them in their fight.” She continued, “September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This is the month that these brave kids and their families raise awareness of this awful disease. As these fearless children share their stories in Washington and elsewhere around the country, we learn about strength and courage and will. As their loving families share their stories about how cancer has touched their lives, we learn about resolve and the ultimate a parent can give…One child who suffers is one too many. We will continue to fight this terrible disease that’s wrought so much suffering and pain on so many. This resolution honors all of the heroic children and thanks them for their courage and the eternal hope that they provide families everywhere. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.”
“I rise in support of H. Res. 470, a resolution supporting efforts to increase childhood cancer awareness, treatment, and research,” said Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). He continued, “I am proud to be working with Congresswoman Deborah Pryce on such an important issue. Together, we have introduced the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act [H.R. 1553]. The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act would enhance and expand biomedical research programs in childhood cancer and establish a new fellowship program through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for pediatric cancer research. The bill would also increase informational and educational outreach to patients and families affected by pediatric cancer…Thanks to the past funding in childhood cancer research, we know that 78 percent of childhood cancer patients overall are now able to survive. Forty years ago it was a much different story the cure rates for children with cancer were lower than 10 percent. This shows that by funding biomedical research we can save lives. Congress must increase funding for NIH and NCI [National Cancer Institute] so that it can continue the groundbreaking, life-saving research that will lead to new cures and treatments.”