House Approves Childhood Cancer Resolution

On June 22, the House approved, 393-0, a resolution (H. Res. 323) 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 that “while it is human nature to question the sanity and injustice of why such a tragedy has befallen those of us who have been touched by pediatric cancer, we must find a way to channel our pain and our anger into action to change the course of this disease.” She went on to say that “this resolution is part of our action plan.”

  Del. Madeleine Bordallo (D-GU) stated that “It is imperative that we do more to combat childhood cancer,” as “cancer takes the lives of up to 2,300 children each year.” She urged passage of the resolution in order to “demonstrate our support for providing cancer patients adequate resources in medicine and education,” and to “help raise awareness of the need for continued investment of financial resources and intellectual energies toward combating childhood cancer.”