IV
119THCONGRESS
1
STSESSION H. RES. 324
Raising awareness of esophageal cancer by expressing support for the
designation of April 2025 as ‘‘Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month’’.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
APRIL10, 2025
Mr. C
ONNOLLY(for himself, Mr. TURNERof Ohio, Mr. BEYER, Mr.
S
UBRAMANYAM, and Mr. SCOTTof Virginia) submitted the following reso-
lution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
RESOLUTION
Raising awareness of esophageal cancer by expressing sup-
port for the designation of April 2025 as ‘‘Esophageal
Cancer Awareness Month’’.
Whereas esophageal cancer is the fastest increasing cancer
among American men;
Whereas esophageal cancer is 1 of the fastest growing cancer
diagnoses among all Americans, increasing more than
700 percent in recent decades;
Whereas esophageal cancer kills 1 American every 36 minutes
every day;
Whereas esophageal cancer is among the deadliest of cancers,
with only about 1 in 5 patients surviving 5 years;
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Whereas esophageal cancer has tripled in incidence among
younger Americans in recent decades;
Whereas esophageal cancer has low survival rates because it
is usually discovered at advanced stages when treatment
outcomes are poor;
Whereas esophageal cancer in the United States is most often
caused by persistent heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux
disease (GERD), yet many who are at risk are unaware
of the potential danger GERD can present when it occurs
over several weeks or months;
Whereas esophageal cancer can be a silent killer with patients
often unaware that the heartburn, cough, hoarse voice,
sore throat, chest pain, or other symptoms they suffer
can be signs of GERD and are reasons to discuss screen-
ing for esophageal cancer with their health care provider;
Whereas esophageal cancer can develop from GERD when
fluids from the stomach splash into the esophagus, cre-
ating cellular change resulting in a precancerous condi-
tion known as Barrett’s esophagus, which can lead to a
30-fold increase in a patient’s risk of developing esopha-
geal cancer;
Whereas raising awareness about esophageal cancer empow-
ers individuals to seek preventive care, recognize symp-
toms, and pursue early detection strategies;
Whereas survivors, caregivers, medical professionals, and re-
searchers have made tremendous strides in advancing
treatment options and improving the quality of life for
those affected by the disease;
Whereas designating April as ‘‘Esophageal Cancer Awareness
Month’’ will encourage public education efforts, support
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ongoing research initiatives, and promote early screening
and prevention strategies;
Whereas esophageal cancer can be prevented through early
detection of its precursor, Barrett’s esophagus, which can
be eliminated with curative outpatient techniques; and
Whereas research indicates that patients diagnosed with
early-stage esophageal cancer have a significantly higher
5-year survival rate of up to 49 percent compared to
those diagnosed at later stages, underscoring the critical
need for enhanced screening and awareness: Now, there-
fore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 1
(1) expresses support for the designation of 2
‘‘Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month’’; 3
(2) encourages the Federal Government, States, 4
localities, nonprofit organizations, and the media to 5
promote awareness of esophageal cancer; 6
(3) recognizes the importance of increased 7
funding for research, improved treatment options, 8
and the development of early detection methods for 9
esophageal cancer; 10
(4) encourages individuals to learn about risk 11
factors and symptoms of esophageal cancer and to 12
consult health care professionals regarding potential 13
screening options; and 14
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(5) honors the courage and resilience of individ-1
uals affected by esophageal cancer and expresses 2
support for their families and caregivers. 3
Æ
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