[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 72 (Friday, June 10, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 10, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS

  (Mr. HORN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks and include extraneous 
matter.)
  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, June 10, 1994 just over 2 weeks ago, I had a 
very successful surgery for prostate cancer. My surgery was performed 
by Doctors David G. McLeod and Stephen Sihelnik and their highly 
skilled staff at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. I thank them all 
for their dedication.
  This experience taught me just how important it is for all men over 
the age of 40 to be tested for prostate cancer. It is the most common 
cancer in American men. One out of every ten men will develop it at 
some time in his life. According to the American Cancer Society 200,000 
men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1994; 38,000 will die. I 
am now one of those 200,000.
  I was lucky. Though I had no symptoms indicating a problem, a simple, 
inexpensive test known as the prostate-specific antigen or PSA test 
showed that I needed additional testing. My prostate cancer was 
discovered early and successfully removed. I strongly urge other men to 
make the PSA part of their annual physical examinations.
  Mr. Speaker, for the Record, I submit the following Ann Landers 
column of June 7, 1994, on the need for annual prostate cancer testing.

                [From the Washington Post, June 7, 1994]

                              Ann Landers

       Dear Ann Landers: Please print something again about the 
     importance of having a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood 
     test to detect prostate cancer. One of my dearest friends 
     recently died from this terrible disease, and a relative is 
     now bravely fighting it.
       Every year 35,000 men in the United States die from 
     prostate cancer. If it is detected early enough, it can be 
     cured. Every man 40 and older should have an annual physical 
     examination. After 50, men should also have a simple PSA 
     blood test to detect prostate cancer that the doctor cannot 
     feel during a digital exam. The PSA test can be done in a 
     doctor's office. Please tell your readers, Ann. It could save 
     lives.--Your Faithful Reader in Fort Worth.
       Dear Fort Worth:
       We spoke with Jerome Richie, surgeon in chief in the 
     division of urology at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in 
     Boston. He said your information is correct. The PSA is the 
     most accurate and predictive prostate cancer test. Richie 
     cautioned, however, that the PSA can produce false negatives 
     and false positives, and he recommended follow-up testing. In 
     other words, don't rely on a single test.
       Richie also emphasized that men with a family history of 
     prostate cancer should have an annual digital examination and 
     PSA starting at age 40 instead of 50.
       Remember, early detection will increase the chances for 
     survival. To my women readers, I say, if you love the man in 
     your life, nag him until he makes an appointment.

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