SUBJECT: S. Res. 245, Designating July 17, 2019, as “Glioblastoma Awareness Day”
Dear Senator Graham,
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of
Neurological Surgeons (CNS), we would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude for
introducing S. Res. 245, designating July 17, 2019, as “Glioblastoma Awareness Day.” There is a great
need to increase public awareness and research investments to improve outcomes for individuals
battling this form of brain cancer. Hopefully, your resolution will focus more attention and accelerate
progress towards new treatments and identify possibilities regarding screening and early detection
methods.
As you are aware, more than 15,000 people succumb to glioblastoma every year, and more than 13,000
new cases will be diagnosed in the United States in 2019 alone. According to the National Cancer
Institute, this most aggressive, complex, difficult to treat and deadliest brain tumor accounts for 52
percent of all primary brain tumors.
Your resolution will also honor and express support for individuals — such as Senators John McCain and
Ted Kennedy — and their families who have lost their lives to, or are currently living with, this devastating
disease. We appreciate that you recognize that a collaborative approach to brain tumor research will
ultimately provide the pathway to new treatment options for glioblastoma.
Again, thank you for your leadership on this issue. We look forward to working with you on this and other
important health policy issues.
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