On the recordSeptember 15, 2010
I rise today to discuss the significant threat prostate cancer poses to the male population in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 217,000 American men will learn that they have prostate cancer in 2010, and 32,000 American men will lose their lives to the disease this year, making prostate cancer the second most common cause of cancer death among men. One out of every six American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and an estimated one in 36 men will die from this disease. African-American men experience a significantly higher incidence rate of prostate cancer than White males, and more than double the mortality rate. This disease is also affecting young Americans. Thirty percent of those battling prostate cancer are under the age of 65, prime years of productivity for families and for this Nation. Doctors across our country agree: early detection presents the best chance for a cure. However, this motto is more than good public policy for me. 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. The simple PSA blood test can be the key to detection. Millions have taken advantage of it, but unfortunately millions do not. We must do better.
