[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1082]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    INTRODUCTION OF THE PROSTATE ACT

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 14, 2011

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Men's Health Week to urge 
my colleagues to support the fight against one of our Nation's leading 
causes of death among men--prostate cancer. There are significant 
racial and ethnic disparities that demand attention: African Americans 
have prostate cancer mortality rates that are more than double those in 
the white population. Underserved rural populations have higher rates 
of mortality compared to their urban counterparts. Additionally, 
certain veterans' populations may have nearly twice the incidence of 
prostate cancer than the general population of the United States.
  There should be coordination across Federal agencies which are 
already receiving significant resources focused on prostate cancer 
programs. This coordination would serve to improve accountability and 
actively encourage the translation of research into practice. 
Additionally, this coordination would serve to identify and implement 
best practices, in order to foster an integrated and monolithic focus 
on effective prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
  For these reasons, I, along with Rep. Broun, now introduce this bi-
partisan piece of legislation. Our bill provides for a time-limited 
interagency taskforce to ensure that the Federal dollars invested in 
the fight against this disease are well spent.
  In 2010, more than 217,730 new patients were diagnosed with, and more 
than 32,050 men died from this disease. Furthermore, about 1 man in 6 
will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and roughly 2 million Americans 
are living with a diagnosis of prostate cancer and its consequences. 
While prostate cancer generally affects older individuals, younger men 
are also at risk for the disease. When prostate cancer appears in early 
middle age it frequently takes on a more aggressive form. Prostate 
cancer continues to be a serious threat to our Nation's men.
  I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and use this as an 
opportunity to show America's men that they have your support.

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