2d Session

S. RES. 529

 __________________________________________________________________________________________


 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

July 26, 2012

Mr. Kerry (for himself, Mr. Chambliss, Mr. Inouye, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Akaka, and Mr. Cardin) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

___________________________________________________________________________________________

RESOLUTION

Recognizing that the occurrence of prostate cancer in African-American men has reached epidemic proportions and urging Federal agencies to address that health crisis by supporting education, awareness outreach, and research specifically focused on how prostate cancer affects African-American men.

Whereas the incidence of prostate cancer in African-American men is more than

        one and a half times higher than in any other racial or ethnic group in

        the United States;

Whereas African-American men have the highest mortality rate of any ethnic and

        racial group in the United States, dying at a rate that is approximately

        two and a half times higher than other ethnic and racial groups;

Whereas that rate of mortality represents the largest disparity of mortality

        rates in any of the major cancers;

Whereas prostate cancer can be cured with early detection and the proper

        treatment, regardless of the ethnic or racial group of the cancer patient;

Whereas African Americans are more likely to be diagnosed at an earlier age and

        at a later stage of cancer progression than all other ethnic and racial

        groups, leading to lower cure rates and lower chances of survival;

Whereas, for patients diagnosed early, studies show a 5-year survival rate of

        nearly 100 percent, but the survival rate drops significantly to 28

        percent for patients diagnosed in late stages; and

Whereas recent genomics research has increased the ability to identify men at

        high risk for aggressive prostate cancer: Now, therefore, be it

       Resolved, That the Senate--

            (1) recognizes that prostate cancer has created a health

        crisis for African-American men;

            (2) recognizes the importance of health coverage and access

        to care, as well as promoting informed decisionmaking between

        men and their doctors, taking into consideration the known

        risks and potential benefits of screening and treatment options

        for prostate cancer;

            (3) urges Federal agencies to support--

                    (A) research to address and attempt to end the

                 health crisis created by prostate cancer;

                    (B) efforts relating to education, awareness, and

                early detection at the grassroots level to end that

                health crisis; and

                    (C) the Office of Minority Health of the Department

                of Health and Human Services in focusing on improving

                health and healthcare outcomes for African Americans at

                an elevated risk of prostate cancer; and

            (4) urges investment by Federal agencies in research

        focusing on the improvement of early detection and treatment of

        prostate cancer, such as the use of--

                    (A) biomarkers to accurately distinguish indolent

                forms of prostate cancer from lethal forms; and

                    (B) advanced imaging tools to ensure the best level

                of individualized patient care.