Shenango Valley News

U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), and Debbie Dingell (D-MI) have introduced a resolution to recognize September 30, 2024, as Rare Cancer Day.

Rare Cancer Day is observed on September 30 to highlight the challenges patients face and to unify individuals living with rare cancers for awareness and early diagnosis. Approximately one in five Americans living with cancer are diagnosed with a rare cancer. Additionally, all pediatric cancers are considered rare, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), meaning 15 million children in the United States are living with rare cancers.

Examples of rare cancers include Cholangiocarcinoma, Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), Ocular Melanoma, Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC), Medulloblastoma, sarcomas, and all pediatric cancers.

"Cancer does not discriminate; it has impacted all of us in some way," said Rep. Mike Kelly. "Today, we recognize Rare Cancer Day to raise awareness and support research that will work toward a brighter tomorrow for all Americans who are battling cancer. I thank my House Cancer Caucus colleagues for joining me in this effort."

"Far too many families have been touched by cancer. And, unfortunately, one in five people living with cancer has a rare cancer," said Rep. Derek Kilmer. "In recognition of Rare Cancer Day, I'm proud to co-sponsor this bipartisan resolution highlighting the challenges facing folks living with rare cancer and committing to ensuring rare cancers get the research funding needed to find cures. It's essential that Congress does its part to invest in cancer research and raise awareness for the millions of Americans who are battling cancer."

"Every year, over 400,000 Americans are diagnosed with a rare form of cancer," said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. "Together with my colleagues in the House Cancer Caucus, we are determined to raise awareness for early detection and make sure that every individual fighting these relentless and often overlooked cancers is recognized, supported, and never forgotten. This bipartisan resolution is a step toward that goal, standing in solidarity with those patients and their loved ones."

"We all have been touched by the heartbreak borne from cancer, be it a friend, a parent, a child, a neighbor—even ourselves. As a cancer survivor myself, I know how vital it is to have the tools to detect cancer early and have access to lifesaving treatments," said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. "With the resources available in the United States, we must carry the banner on advancing research for rare cancers offering hope to children and families everywhere. I am proud to help lead this important Resolution with my House Cancer Caucus colleagues to highlight the importance of discovering new treatments and creating more pathways to preventive care."

"Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States; nearly every family has been touched by cancer in some way. Rare cancers pose an especially difficult challenge to patients and their families," Rep. Debbie Dingell said. "I'm proud to join my colleagues in recognizing Rare Cancer Day—to stand united with all those dealing with a rare cancer diagnosis—and recommit our efforts towards funding research to prevent and treat these diseases."

"We applaud the second annual congressional recognition of Rare Cancer Day," said John Hopper from Patient Activation Group/NORD Rare Cancer Coalition/Fred Hutch Cancer Center/Rare Cancer Foundation-SARC (sarcoma). "This resolution is significant and helps us raise awareness educate key constituencies about challenges faced by the rare cancer community... We appreciate efforts by House Cancer Caucus as we work towards early diagnosis treatment better outcomes..."

"Rare Cancer Day is an excellent opportunity for stakeholders come together raise awareness support innovative research foster collaborations..." said Jim Palma CEO TargetCancer Foundation/Founding Co-Chair NORD Rare Cancer Coalition.

"Rare cancers often don't receive attention or resources they need but through collaboration advocacy drive real progress..." said Rosh Dias MD Chief Medical Officer Coherus "... developing new treatments such as immunotherapy nasopharyngeal carcinoma offer hope battling diseases."