119-hres324

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 324 Introduced in House

    (IH) ]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
 1st Session
H. RES. 324

 Raising awareness of esophageal cancer by expressing support for the 
 designation of April 2025 as ``Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month''.

_______________________________________________________________________

 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 April 10, 2025

 Mr. Connolly (for himself, Mr. Turner of Ohio, Mr. Beyer, Mr. 
 Subramanyam, and Mr. Scott of Virginia) submitted the following 
 resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

 RESOLUTION

 Raising awareness of esophageal cancer by expressing support for the 
 designation of April 2025 as ``Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month''.

Whereas esophageal cancer is the fastest increasing cancer among American men;
Whereas esophageal cancer is 1 of the fastest growing cancer diagnoses among all 
 Americans, increasing more than 700 percent in recent decades;
Whereas esophageal cancer kills 1 American every 36 minutes every day;
Whereas esophageal cancer is among the deadliest of cancers, with only about 1 
 in 5 patients surviving 5 years;
Whereas esophageal cancer has tripled in incidence among younger Americans in 
 recent decades;
Whereas esophageal cancer has low survival rates because it is usually 
 discovered at advanced stages when treatment outcomes are poor;
Whereas esophageal cancer in the United States is most often caused by 
 persistent heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease

    (GERD) , yet many 
 who are at risk are unaware of the potential danger GERD can present 
 when it occurs over several weeks or months;
Whereas esophageal cancer can be a silent killer with patients often unaware 
 that the heartburn, cough, hoarse voice, sore throat, chest pain, or 
 other symptoms they suffer can be signs of GERD and are reasons to 
 discuss screening for esophageal cancer with their health care provider;
Whereas esophageal cancer can develop from GERD when fluids from the stomach 
 splash into the esophagus, creating cellular change resulting in a 
 precancerous condition known as Barrett's esophagus, which can lead to a 
 30-fold increase in a patient's risk of developing esophageal cancer;
Whereas raising awareness about esophageal cancer empowers individuals to seek 
 preventive care, recognize symptoms, and pursue early detection 
 strategies;
Whereas survivors, caregivers, medical professionals, and researchers have made 
 tremendous strides in advancing treatment options and improving the 
 quality of life for those affected by the disease;
Whereas designating April as ``Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month'' will 
 encourage public education efforts, support ongoing research 
 initiatives, and promote early screening and prevention strategies;
Whereas esophageal cancer can be prevented through early detection of its 
 precursor, Barrett's esophagus, which can be eliminated with curative 
 outpatient techniques; and
Whereas research indicates that patients diagnosed with early-stage esophageal 
 cancer have a significantly higher 5-year survival rate of up to 49 
 percent compared to those diagnosed at later stages, underscoring the 
 critical need for enhanced screening and awareness: Now, therefore, be 
 it
 Resolved, That the House of Representatives--

    (1) expresses support for the designation of ``Esophageal 
 Cancer Awareness Month'';

    (2) encourages the Federal Government, States, localities, 
 nonprofit organizations, and the media to promote awareness of 
 esophageal cancer;

    (3) recognizes the importance of increased funding for 
 research, improved treatment options, and the development of 
 early detection methods for esophageal cancer;

    (4) encourages individuals to learn about risk factors and 
 symptoms of esophageal cancer and to consult health care 
 professionals regarding potential screening options; and

    (5) honors the courage and resilience of individuals 
 affected by esophageal cancer and expresses support for their 
 families and caregivers.
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