H.R. 745 would amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for a Pancreatic Cancer Initiative.
Detailed Summary
Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish and implement a Pancreatic Cancer Initiative to assist in coordinating activities to address the high mortality rate associated with pancreatic cancer.
Requires the Secretary to establish the Interdisciplinary Pancreatic Cancer Coordinating Committee to: (1) provide advice on overall research objectives and benchmarks for pancreatic cancer research; (2) develop and annually update a strategic plan for pancreatic cancer research awareness; and (3) conduct evaluations and make recommendations to the Secretary, the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Director of the National Cancer Institute regarding the prioritization and award of NIH research grants relating to pancreatic cancer.
Requires the Secretary to develop a primary care provider education program on pancreatic cancer.
Requires the Director of NIH and the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop a communication tool kit for patients and their families that focuses on specific pancreatic cancer issues relating to patient choices and patient care.
Allows the Secretary to award grants to research institutions for use in developing innovative compounds or technologies for the prevention, early detection, or treatment of those cancers with five-year survival rates of less than 50%. Requires the Secretary to focus on pancreatic cancer during the initial five fiscal years of awarding such grants.
Allows the Secretary to designate two additional Specialized Programs of Research Excellence focusing solely on pancreatic cancer research.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 1/28/2009: Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
CMK
June 13, 2009, 3:34pm (report abuse)Pancreatic cancer is on the rise and expected to increase 55% by 2030. The only way to stop it and get better treatment is more passionate research. That takes funds. We need help from Congress to pass this Bill and make it effective. Write your congress person to support this bill. If you have ever had a loved one die of this terrible painful disease, you will know why it is so important to the American citizens. Let's change those figures projected for 2030.