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National Brain Tumor Awareness Month (U.S.)
National Brain Tumor Awareness Month (U.S.)

In May 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives passed House Resolution 1124, recognizing May as National Brain Tumor Awareness Month in the United States. This bill was initially proposed by U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowky (D-IL) and Peter Roskam (R-IL). This resolution was inspired by Linda Magiera, mother of the late Lori Arquilla Andersen, who died at 35 years old of brain cancer. Prior to the resolution being passed, Senator Edward Kennedy was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Senator Kennedy later died August 25, 2009 as a result of this illness.

Nearly 200,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with a brain tumor every year. It is the third leading cause of cancer related deaths in people 20-39 years old. The 5-year survival rate for primary malignant tumors is approximately 30%. The average survival rate for people diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor is less than 5%, with most surviving only 6-12 months. (See [|Brain Tumors] for more information.)

The purpose of recognizing May as National Brain Tumor Awareness Month is to increase awareness, which can hopefully lead to early detection and additional research to work towards finding alternative treatment options and ultimately a cure. (See [|May] for more information.)

In September 2011, prominent figure Eleanor Mondale, daughter of former Vice-President Walter Mondale, died after her battle with brain cancer. Several other prominent public figures have also been affected by brain tumors and/or brain cancer. (See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_brain_tumor_patients for more information.)