SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 416
WHEREAS, Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer
deaths among women under the age of 50 in the United States and
the second most common form of cancer among all women; and
WHEREAS, About one in eight American women will develop
invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime, and
approximately 40,000 people, including some 440 men, die from
breast cancer each year; and
WHEREAS, Metastatic breast cancer, also known as stage IV
or advanced breast cancer, occurs when the cancer spreads beyond
the breast to other parts of the body; anywhere from 20 to 30
percent of patients initially diagnosed with early-stage breast
cancer will develop metastatic breast cancer, which can occur
many years after their original diagnosis and successful
treatments; and
WHEREAS, There is no cure for metastatic breast cancer; the
median survival rate after a positive diagnosis is only three
years, which is up from 18 months in 1970; and
WHEREAS, Although early detection and medical care play a
vital role in the fight against breast cancer, advanced-stage
breast cancer can spread quickly and inexplicably regardless of
treatment or preventive measures; tremendous therapeutic
advancements have been made, but the need for continued research
is crucial, as the number of annual breast cancer deaths has
remained virtually unchanged for the past 20 years; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated that there are currently between
150,000 and 250,000 individuals living with metastatic breast
cancer in the United States; many patients continue working,
raising families, and living life to the fullest, and with
adequate care, some survive 10 years or more beyond their
diagnosis; and
WHEREAS, Across the Lone Star State and around the country,
a coalition consisting of patient advocates, nonprofits,
academic institutions, and other organizations is taking action
to raise awareness of the disease, to call attention to the need
for more research, and to highlight the importance of emotional
and workplace support in improving the quality of life for
patients; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, hereby recognize October 13, 2017, as Metastatic
Breast Cancer Awareness Day in Texas and commend all those who
are working on behalf of people with metastatic breast cancer.
Campbell
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 14, 2017.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate