III
112th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. RES. 573
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
September 20, 2012
Mr. Menendez (for himself, Mr. Toomey, and Mr. Casey) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
December 5, 2012
Committee discharged; considered and agreed to
RESOLUTION
Designating the third week of January 2013 as Teen Cancer Awareness Week.
Whereas cancer among adolescents is rare, but is still the leading cause of death from disease for teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19;
Whereas teenage cancer patients receive treatment at various types of medical establishments, including pediatric hospitals, pediatric oncology centers, and adult cancer facilities;
Whereas teenage cancer patients may feel out of place in any of these settings if their clinical and psychosocial needs are not met;
Whereas 40 percent of cancer patients aged 14 and younger are enrolled in clinical trials, compared with only 9 percent of cancer patients between the ages of 15 and 24;
Whereas teenagers with cancer have unique concerns about their education, social lives, body image, and infertility, among other concerns, and their needs may be misunderstood or unacknowledged;
Whereas many adolescent cancer survivors have difficulty readjusting to school and social settings, experience anxiety, and in some cases face increased learning difficulties; and
Whereas it is important to understand the biological and clinical needs of teenagers with cancer, seek the prevention of cancer in teenagers, and increase awareness in the general public of the unique challenges facing teenagers with cancer: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate designates the third week of January 2013 as Teen Cancer Awareness Week to promote awareness of teenage cancer and the unique medical and social needs of teenagers with cancer.