```

[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1343 Introduced in House (IH)]

111th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 1343

 Recognizing the importance of detecting esophageal cancer during its 
 earliest stages, advancing medical research, and supporting the goals 
            and ideals of Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                              May 11, 2010

Mr. Posey (for himself, Mr. Holt, Mr. Wolf, Ms. Wasserman Schultz, Mr. 
    Smith of New Jersey, Ms. Sutton, and Ms. Speier) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and 
                                Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
 Recognizing the importance of detecting esophageal cancer during its 
 earliest stages, advancing medical research, and supporting the goals 
            and ideals of Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month.

Whereas esophageal cancer is the fastest growing cancer diagnosis in the United 
        States, increasing 400 percent in the last 20 years;
Whereas the 5-year survival rate is less than 18 percent, esophageal cancer is 
        among the deadliest of cancers, second only to pancreatic cancer;
Whereas esophageal cancer is often not discovered until it has reached advanced 
        stages when treatment outcomes are poor;
Whereas the American Cancer Society estimated that during 2009 alone, 16,470 new 
        cases of esophageal cancer would be diagnosed in the United States and 
        14,530 deaths from esophageal cancer would occur;
Whereas esophageal cancer is often caused by heartburn or gastroesophageal 
        reflux disease (GERD) which can lead to Barrett's Esophagus that results 
        in as much as a 125-fold increase in a person's chance of developing 
        esophageal cancer;
Whereas the prevalence of this disease has grown and appropriate standards of 
        care and treatment are underdeveloped and in some cases lacking 
        altogether;
Whereas the health and well-being of Americans will be enhanced by improving 
        esophageal cancer awareness and prevention activities;
Whereas early detection and improved treatment strategies will benefit from 
        increased research; and
Whereas increased research and awareness of esophageal cancer will enable a 
        greater understanding of this disease, earlier detection, more targeted 
        treatments, and overall better outcomes for those suffering from this 
        type of cancer: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the goals and ideals of Esophageal Cancer 
        Awareness Month and applauds the efforts of advocates and 
        organizations that encourage awareness, promote research, and 
        provide education and give support to those impacted by 
        esophageal cancer;
            (2) supports increased research into the causes, 
        treatments, and cures for esophageal cancer; and
            (3) recognizes the importance of early screening, when 
        appropriate, for patients affected by pre-cursors such as acid 
        reflux, Barrett's Esophagus, and gastroesophageal reflux 
        disease.
                                 <all>
```