Yesterday we did have some good news for cancer survivors which didn’t get any significant attention. Most of the media attention from yesterday’s congressional budget vote was focused on an amendment dealing with NSA surveillance, the House did actually vote on final passage on the FY14 Defense Appropriations bill which included funding for the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (DOD). The vote was 315-109.

Each year we fight to continue this vital funding which has given $80 million dollars specific to prostate cancer research. We used to hope to grow this number, now we breathe a sigh when we are able to maintain this number. Given the economic times I am very thankful for the programs continuation.

Don’t forget to go to www.StartACure.com and find a prostate cancer research program to support.

Joel T. Nowak, M.A., M.S.W.