S.Res. 238 (112th): A resolution designating the third week in January 2012 as “Teen Cancer Awareness Week”.

SRES 238 IS

Designating the third week in January 2012 as ‘Teen Cancer Awareness Week’.

July 26, 2011

Mr. MENENDEZ submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

Designating the third week in January 2012 as ‘Teen Cancer Awareness Week’.

Whereas cancer among adolescents is rare, but is still the leading cause of death from disease in teenagers between 15 and 19 years of age;

Whereas teen cancer patients receive treatment at a number of different medical establishments, including pediatric hospitals, pediatric oncology centers, and adult cancer facilities;

Whereas teen 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 teens 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, and experience anxiety, and in some cases face increased learning difficulties; and

Whereas there exists an undeniable need not only to understand the biological and clinical needs of teens with cancer, and to seek the prevention of cancer in teens, but also to increase awareness in the larger community about the unique challenges facing teens with cancer: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate designates the third week in January 2012 as ‘Teen Cancer Awareness Week’ in order to promote awareness about teen cancers and the unique medical and social needs of teens with cancer.

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