Congressman Sestak Co-Sponsors House-Passed Bill that aims to Conquer Childhood Cancer, Announces Establishment of Pediatric Cancer Caucus
Press Release
Congressman Sestak Co-Sponsors House-Passed Bill that aims to Conquer Childhood Cancer, Announces Establishment of Pediatric Cancer Caucus
Today, Congressman Joe Sestak voted in support of the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act, of which he is a cosponsor. This legislation will direct $30 million to medical research and treatments into pediatric cancers, ensure patients and families have access to the current treatments and information regarding pediatric cancers, establish a population-based national childhood cancer database, and promote public awareness of pediatric cancers. The measure passed by a resounding vote of 416-0. In addition, the Congressman announced the establishment of a Pediatric Cancer Caucus- which he will chair- providing a voice for children in this country who are suffering from cancer. The Congressman noted that "this Caucus will protect the interest of the often voiceless victims of cancer who for so long have benefited from the leadership of Representative Deborah Pryce (R-OH) and will be missed when she retires later this year."
"Every day, 46 childrenmore than two full classrooms of kidswill be diagnosed with cancer. In 2008, an estimated 12,400 children or young people will be diagnosed with cancer, and 2,300 will die from it," said Congressman Sestak. "Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in children under age 15, and this legislation provides funding for pediatric cancer and care. It gives hope to the thousands of children and families who have been touched by this disease, and gives doctors and scientists the tools they need to combat it and find a cure."
Specifically, this legislation provides for:
Centers of Excellence for Childhood Cancer Research:
Enhances and expands biomedical research programs in childhood cancer through an existing National Cancer Institute-designated multi-center national infrastructure.
Childhood Cancer Clinical Research Fellowship Program:
Establishes a new fellowship program through the National Institutes of Health to help foster the training and development of a new generation of clinical investigators focused on pediatric cancer research.
National Childhood Cancer Research Database:
Establishes a population-based childhood cancer database to evaluate the incidence trends of childhood cancers and to enable the investigations of genetic epidemiology in order to identify causes to aid in development and implementation of prevention and treatment strategies.
Outreach and Education for Pediatric Cancer Patients and Families:
Provides for education and information services to patients and families affected by childhood cancer to ensure they are aware of and have access to appropriate clinical treatment as well as the array of needed support services.
Authorization of Appropriations:
Authorizes $30 million annually for 5-fiscal year period.
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