Senate Recognizes September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Senate unanimously supported a Senate Resolution designating September as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.  U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Bob Menendez (D-New Jersey) introduced the resolution, which aims to “educate people in the United States about prostate cancer and early detection strategies crucial to saving the lives of men and preserving and protecting families.” 

“I know firsthand the need for early screenings and warnings when it comes to cancer,” said Crapo.  “Checkups and testing for prostate cancer can save lives given that it is treatable if found early.  Congress must use every avenue available, including through resolutions like these, to raise awareness of the risks and early detection screenings necessary to combat prostate cancer.”

“Prostate cancer is highly preventable and the U.S. has the highest rates of prostate cancer survival in the world,” said Menendez.  “But early detection is key to survival. Congress has a responsibility to promote awareness and encourage men of all ages to speak to their providers about prostate health.” 

The resolution notes that nearly 3 million men in the U.S. live with prostate cancer, and that one in 41 will die from the cancer.  Furthermore, it encourages improvements to health care services for detecting and treating prostate cancer.  Senator Crapo, a two-time prostate cancer survivor, has co-sponsored similar resolutions in the past.  Recently, he co-sponsored legislation with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) to reauthorize and increase funding for the Young Women’s Breast Health Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act, which would help better the chance of survival of breast cancer. 

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