Upton, Dingell Mark National Cancer Prevention Day

Press Release

U.S. Reps. Fred Upton (R-MI) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI) introduced a resolution honoring February 4, 2021 as National Cancer Prevention Day. Upton and Dingell serve on the Congressional Cancer Prevention Caucus, which aims to educate policymakers about best practices for cancer prevention.

The resolution recognizes the devastating effect cancer has on families and the importance of expanding knowledge, encouraging early detection, and working with friends in the medical and scientific fields to put an end to this deadly disease.

"A cancer diagnosis is devastating news that far too many families have experienced. Through my bipartisan 21st Century Cures legislation, I worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to fight for a cure and give hope to the millions of folks who have fought and are fighting to defeat it," Upton said. "National Cancer Prevention Day is an important reminder that we can all take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones from this terrible illness, all while continuing our mission to cure cancer once and for all."

"No family has escaped the trauma and tragedy of an unexpected cancer diagnosis for a grandparent, parent, child, or friend," Dingell said. "But through research and our own individual actions, we can prevent cancer and save lives. Through National Cancer Prevention Day, we can educate ourselves and our neighbors about efforts we can all take to reduce the prevalence of cancer in our communities."

According to the American Cancer Society, there will be an estimated 1,898,160 new cancer cases diagnosed in 2021 and there will be an estimated 608,570 cancer deaths in the United States. Cancer is also the second most common cause of death among children ages 1-to-14 years in the United States. In 2021, an estimated 10,500 children in this same age group will be diagnosed with cancer and 1,190 will die from it.

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