[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 92 (Friday, June 25, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1412]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   EXPRESSING SENSE OF HOUSE REGARDING IMPORTANCE OF RAISING PUBLIC 
                      AWARENESS OF PROSTATE CANCER

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. TOM BLILEY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 22, 1999

  Mr. BLILEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 21, a 
resolution emphasizing the importance of early detection in the fight 
against prostrate cancer. I commend Mr. Bass of New Hampshire for his 
efforts on fighting cancer, especially prostate cancer and breast 
cancer.
  The National Cancer Institute estimates this year that 179,300 
American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and that some 
37,000 will die from this disease. These cold numbers do little to 
convey the very human emotions of fear and uncertainty experienced by 
our fathers, brothers, uncles or grandfathers who are diagnosed with 
prostate cancer. Every day, too many men in the United States hear the 
life-changing words ``You have prostate cancer.''
  Like all cancers, the best battle plan is one that emphasizes 
prevention and early detection, so that we can beat the cancer before 
it even starts.
  According to the American Cancer Society, the chance of having 
prostate cancer increases rapidly after age 50. More than 80 percent of 
all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65, and is 
about twice as common among African-American men as it is among white 
American men.
  It is believed that a good course of action to prevent prostate 
cancer includes exercise, a diet low in fat and consisting mostly of 
vegetables, fruits, and grains. Results of most studies suggest that 
men who eat a lot of fat in their diet have a greater chance of 
developing prostate cancer. Recent research also suggests that a diet 
high in calcium and low in fructose (fruit sugar) increases prostate 
cancer risk.
  Early detection is very important, especially if men have the risk 
factors associated with prostate cancer. Cancers found by early 
detection testing (using the prostate specific antigen blood test or 
physical examinations) are, on average, smaller and have spread less 
than cancers discovered because of symptoms they cause. Since prostate 
cancer grows so slowly, for men with cancer that is proven not to have 
spread beyond the prostate gland. the five-year relative survival rate 
is nearly 100 percent, whether or not they are treated.
  More awareness of prevention and early detection strategies of 
prostate cancer could save hundreds of lives every year. I urge that 
the House pass H. Res. 211, and I again commend the gentleman from New 
Hampshire (Mr. Bass) for his work in this area.

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