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

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

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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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