[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 17 (Thursday, February 2, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E121]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          RECOGNIZING PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS OBSERVANCE DAY

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                         HON. YVETTE D. CLARKE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 2, 2012

  Ms. CLARKE of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Prostate Cancer Awareness Observance Day, as recognized by the Brown 
Byrd Prostate Cancer Foundation in my district and numerous 
organizations and municipalities.
  Affecting 1 in 6 men, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed 
non-skin cancer and the second cause of cancer-related deaths among 
males. A new case occurs every 2.7 minutes, and is the cause of death 
of an afflicted individual every 19 minutes. Though for reasons yet to 
be discovered, prostate cancer is especially prevalent within the 
African American community, which makes awareness of this disease 
especially important within communities like my Borough of Brooklyn, 
New York.
  Despite these disparaging statistics, many forms of prostate cancer 
are readily treatable, and with increased early detection and 
treatment, current trends can be reversed. Education regarding prostate 
cancer and early detection strategies is crucial to saving lives and 
preserving our families; 200,000 men will be diagnosed and over 75,000 
men will die from prostate cancer annually. At any age, deaths due to 
prostate cancer devastate families through loss of income, partnership, 
and support.
  In recognition of this disease and the large number of families and 
communities it afflicts, I stand with those today that recognize 
February 2, 2012, as a day to remember those who lost the battle 
against prostate cancer, and to pray for the families and friends that 
have dealt with such a tragedy. As a community, we also remember those 
living with prostate cancer, celebrate the lives of survivors, and 
thank all the prostate cancer organizations and medical professionals 
throughout the entire country who aid in victories against this 
insidious disease.
  One such organization I would like to recognize today is the Brown 
Byrd Prostate Cancer Foundation. Started by two young individuals in my 
own district, Kevin Byrd and Blossom Brown to honor their grandfathers 
who were both lost to prostate cancer, the foundation has done a good 
deal of work within New York and nationally to bring attention to 
Prostate Cancer and methods to combat its continued threat to the 
wellbeing of our communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and may we all 
offer up our prayers today to every individual that has been affected 
by prostate cancer.

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