Senate Approves Childhood Cancer Resolution

On September 7, the Senate approved, by unanimous consent, a resolution (S. Res. 560) supporting efforts to increase childhood cancer awareness, treatment, and research. The House passed an identical resolution on June 22 (see The Source, 6/23/06).

Sponsored by Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN), 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.The resolution states that Congress should support public and private partnerships to promote cancer awareness, invest in research, and encourage participation in clinical trials.