[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 103 (Tuesday, July 20, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1610-E1611]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     STAMP OUT PROSTATE CANCER ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 20, 1999

  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to introduce the Stamp Out 
Prostate Cancer Act of 1999. I am joined in this effort by my colleague 
from Ohio, the Honorable Sherrod Brown, and twenty-two other 
colleagues. I have also attached letters from organizations in support 
of this legislation, including the Men's Health Network, National 
Prostate Cancer Coalition, and CapCure.
  According to the National Prostate Cancer Coalition (NPCC), each day 
507 men will learn they have prostate cancer. Prostate cancer, the most 
common cancer in men, is a devastating disease affecting more than 
200,000 American men each year. One out of every ten men will develop 
this terrible disease in his lifetime, and more than 40,000 American 
men will die each year. This disease does not occur only in older men. 
Nearly one quarter of all diagnoses occur in men between 40 and 65 
years old. The single best thing we can do to help more men combat this 
disease is to increase funding for research, education, and awareness. 
Currently, both the National Institutes of Health and the Department of 
Defense fund prostate cancer research. Yet, the NPCC has identified 
nearly $250 million in worthwhile research projects not initiated last 
year due to lack of funding.
  The Stamp Out Prostate Cancer Act will help expand research money 
available, much like the very successful breast cancer stamp which has 
raised millions for breast cancer research. This successful model will 
allow millions of Americans to voluntarily donate to the basic research 
that will help us find a cure to this terrible disease. I hope that all 
my colleagues will join me and cosponsor this important bill.

                                         Men's Health Network,

                                    Washington, DC, July 13, 1999.
     Hon. Randy ``Duke'' Cunningham,
     House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Cunningham, I am writing on behalf of the 
     Men's Health Network (MHN) in support of legislation that 
     will introduce the Stamp Out Prostate Cancer Stamp Act of 
     1999. We thank you and Congressman Sherrod Brown for 
     proposing this important legislation.
       Prostate cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in 
     America, affecting about 200,000 men in 1999. Nearly 40,000 
     men will lose their lives to the disease this year. A man has 
     a one in six chance of getting prostate cancer in his 
     lifetime. If he has a close relative with prostate cancer, 
     his risk doubles. With two close relatives, his risk 
     increases five-fold. With three close relatives, his risk is 
     nearly 97%. Today, African-American men have the highest 
     prostate cancer incidence rate in the world and their 
     mortality rate from the disease is more than twice that of 
     the rate for Caucasian Americans.
       With the right investment in public education and research, 
     prostate cancer is preventable, controllable and curable. It 
     is vitally important to educate not only men but also their 
     families as to the risk factors associated with this disease 
     and the need for annual screenings. The creation of a 
     prostate cancer research stamp not only will raise the 
     public's awareness of the risk and prevalence of this deadly 
     disease but also it is an innovative way by which Americans 
     can freely aid scientific research.
       Thank you for creating this opportunity for concerned 
     Americans to support the fight against prostate cancer. If 
     there is anything we can do in the future to assist in the 
     passage of your bill, please do not hesitate to let us know.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Tracie Snitker,
                                             Government Relations.


                                                      CaP Cure

                                    Washington, DC, July 15, 1999.
     Representative Randy ``Duke'' Cunningham,
     House of Representatives,
     Washington, D.C.
       Dear Representative Cunningham: Even though I am on the 
     road, I wanted to assure that my office transmits this letter 
     to you.
       I admire your courage and conviction to stamp out prostate 
     cancer, and I support your efforts, and those of your many 
     colleagues, in the presentation of your proposed legislation. 
     The ``Stamp Out Prostate Cancer Act'' creates a simple tool 
     to enhance research funding that will end the roll that 
     prostate cancer takes in this country.
       You and your colleagues know that prostate cancer is the 
     most commonly diagnosed nonskin cancer in America today, with 
     almost 200,000 new case expected in 1999.
       You and your colleagues know that almost 40,000 men will 
     lose their lives to the disease this year, creating tragedies 
     for far too many wives, children, fathers, mothers, brothers 
     and sisters.
       You and your colleagues know that, despite its burden on 
     individuals and society, prostate cancer research receives 
     only five cents of every federal cancer research dollar.
       You and your colleagues know that the National Prostate 
     Cancer Coalition, of which CaP RURE was a founding member, 
     has estimated that $500 million of unfunded prostate cancer 
     research should be supported this year if resources existed.
       Duke, you are helping to expand he opportunities for 
     acceleration of new research--and treatment opportunities--
     for the men who need them most. You have been stalwart and 
     determined support for all those affected by this devastating 
     disease. As the world's largest private funder of prostate 
     cancer research, CaP CURE considers it a pleasure to support 
     you.
           Cordially,
                                          Richard N. Atkins, M.D.,
                                                        President.

[[Page E1611]]

     
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                                                    July 15, 1999.
     Representative Randy ``Duke'' Cunningham,
     House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC,
       Dear Representative Cunningham: On behalf of the thousands 
     of men battling prostate cancer and their families, I want to 
     express our sincere appreciation to you and your colleagues 
     for introducing the ``Stamp Out Prostate Cancer Act of 
     1999''.
       Our primary goals at the National Prostate Cancer Coalition 
     (NPCC) are to make prostate cancer a national health priority 
     while finding a cure for his deadly disease. In order to 
     accomplish these goals, we must increase awareness of he 
     disease and increase funding for prostate cancer research. 
     Your bill takes great strides forward in both areas.
       In 1999, one cancer case in every six will be prostate 
     cancer. About one in four prostate cancer cases strikes a man 
     during his prime working years, under the age of 65. 
     Regrettably, prostate cancer took the lives of about 100 men 
     yesterday. Congressman Cunningham, we know that you are aware 
     of the terrible toll which prostate cancer takes on 
     Americans. We salute you for your playing a role in finding a 
     cure of this disease.
       We look forward to working with you to increase the 
     opportunities for new and accelerated research and treatment 
     for prostate cancer. The NPCC stands ready to assist you as 
     your legislation moves through Congress.
           Sincerely,

                                                Bill Schwartz,

                                            Vice-Chairman and CEO,
                               National Prostate Cancer Coalition.

     

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