Press Release

September 23, 2011
CARDIN, SESSIONS “NATIONAL PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH” RESOLUTION UNANIMOUSLY PASSES SENATE

WASHINGTONThe Senate unanimously voted today to declare September “National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month” in a bipartisan resolution sponsored by U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Jeff Sessions (R-AL).

This resolution, which has been introduced by Senator Sessions every year since 2002, is aimed at enhancing awareness of prostate cancer and encouraging the public to take an active role in the fight to increase early detection, improve treatment, and discover a cure for the disease.

The American Cancer Society estimates more than 240,000 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year and will lead to nearly 34,000 U.S. deaths.

“Preventive health care saves lives, and it is particularly effective in reducing mortality for prostate cancer,” said Senator Cardin. “Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is a time to increase public knowledge about this disease—which affects one in six American men and is the second most common cause of cancer deaths for Maryland men—and to promote research efforts to eradicate it.”

“As a 10 year prostate cancer survivor myself, I know the value of early detection and surgery, and it is painful for me to know that many good people in this great country are not being diagnosed early and are therefore greatly increasing their risk,” Sessions said. “There are no noticeable symptoms of this cancer while it’s in its early stages. Routine screenings, simple blood tests, and physical exams are critical for early detection. I am grateful my Senate colleagues recognize September as ‘National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month’ because this is one small step we can take to help increase prostate cancer awareness to men, healthcare providers, and the countless American families who have been affected by this terrible disease.”

In the U.S., prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer and the second-leading cause of male cancer-related deaths. Thirty percent of all new diagnoses will occur in men under the age of 65. However, due to cutting edge medical research and technology the U.S. has the highest prostate cancer survival rates in the world.

In addition to Senators Cardin and Sessions,  Senate Resolution 278 was cosponsored by Sens. Inhofe (R-OK), Wicker (R-MS), Brown (R-MA), Kerry (D-MA), Shelby (R-AL), Crapo (R-ID), Johnson (D-SD), Lee (R-UT), Chambliss (R-GA), Akaka (D-HI), Boxer (D-CA), Johanns (R-NE), Wyden (D-OR),  and Kirk (R-IL).

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