Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Bob Menendez
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) applauded the unanimous passage of S. Res. 645 in recognition of September 2022 as “National Prostate Awareness Month”. Sens. Menendez and Crapo, authored the bipartisan resolution aimed at increasing awareness of prostate cancer, which is the most common cancer in American men, except for skin cancer. By recognizing this month as “National Prostate Awareness Month,” the Senate also encouraged all Americans to take part in efforts to increase early detection, improve treatment, and discover a cure for the disease.Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. (D-N.J.-10) sponsored the resolution in the House.
“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men, yet it’s a highly preventable disease,” said Sen. Menendez. “Congress has a responsibility to promote awareness and encourage men across America to increase early detection and find better treatment, thereby increasing the survival rates of American men. Early detection is key to prostate cancer survival, and no one should think it’s too early to discuss testing options with their healthcare provider.”
“Checkups and testing for prostate cancer can save lives if found early,”said Sen. Crapo. “Early screenings and warnings are vitally important to detecting and treating many other types of cancer as well. Congress must use every avenue available to continue raising awareness about the risks and early screenings to combat prostate cancer.”
“I am proud to introduce this resolution because prostate cancer is a major health problem and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths for African-American men nationwide,” said Rep. Payne. “In addition, prostate cancer will account for more than one-third of all new cancers in African-American men this year alone. If we can raise awareness, we can encourage more Americans, especially African Americans, to get screened and get early treatments. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Men’s Health Caucus and Colorectal Cancer Caucus, I am committed to raising awareness of this disease during National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and encouraging more Americans to get regular prostate cancer screenings to catch this disease early and save lives.”
In New Jersey, prostate cancer is the third leading cause of death to cancer among men. The American Cancer Society estimates 8,580 new prostate cancer cases and 750 deaths in 2022.
“Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is a key opportunity to ensure that every man knows his risk for prostate cancer, and how to take steps to catch the disease early. Early detection saves lives,” said Jamie Bearse, President of ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer. “Senators Menendez and Crapo have been stalwart champion of the cause – helping men and their families to fight prostate cancer – and we’re proud to partner with them and our other champions in Congress during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and all year long.”
Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Angus King (D-Maine), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) Chris Coons (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) also sponsored the resolution.