S.Res. 545 (114^th): A resolution supporting the designation of July 15, 2016, as “Leiomyosarcoma Awareness Day”.

Whereas a soft tissue sarcoma is a rare type of cancer, accounting for approximately 1 percent of newly diagnosed cancers;

Whereas Leiomyosarcoma (referred to in this preamble as LMS) is a malignant subtype of soft tissue sarcoma that originates in smooth muscle, often in the walls of blood vessels;

Whereas LMS is highly aggressive and can be found throughout the body, but is especially concentrated in the uterus, abdominal cavity, and extremities;

Whereas the National Institutes of Health classifies LMS as a rare disease;

Whereas most oncologists will only see a few cases of LMS throughout a career;

Whereas the causes of LMS are still unknown;

Whereas LMS is largely resistant to standard chemotherapeutic agents, radiation treatment, and current immunotherapies;

Whereas multidisciplinary care coordination teams, because of their expertise and experience, are critical to the health of LMS patients;

Whereas LMS research will allow medical professionals to improve the quality of care for LMS patients, lead to better clinical outcomes, and promote longer survival for LMS patients; and

Whereas increased education and awareness about LMS will contribute to the well-being of the communities of the United States: Now, therefore, be it