Senator Charles Schumer (D.NY) and Representative Jim Marshall (D.GA) have introduced THE THOMAS J. MANTON
PROSTATE CANCER EARLY DETECTION AND TREATMENT ACT OF 2007. The original bill had been introduced into the 109th Congress, but died in committee.
This bill would amend the Public Health Service Act and title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide for the screening and treatment program for Prostate Cancer in the same manner as is provided currently for Breast and Cervical cancer. The bill would provide CDC funding to states for the purpose of screening programs geared to the uninsured and underinsured. It also provides aid to the state’s Medicaid Programs when cancer is diagnosed.
When prostate cancer is not detected in its early stages men will die. It is very clear that the uninsured and underinsured skip screening tests, but many are eventually diagnosed after the cancer has progressed and become lethal.
There is no excuse to allow prostate cancer to be allowed to progress and kill men. We have the means available to identify prostate cancer while it is still at an early stage so lifesaving treatments can be given.
It is important to get this bill out of committee and on the floor of the Senate and House. The best way to do this is by having your member of congress and senator sign on as co-sponsors.
To learn more about this bill and to find instructions on how to encourage your representatives and senators to become co-sponsors go to:
Joel T Nowak MA, MSW
Joel,
The Thomas J. Manton Prostate Cancer Act is one of the most important things that people can do to lower the death rate from prostate cancer in the US and at the same time raising awareness of prostate cancer
. The American Cancer Society said in their Journal, Cancer, “Advances in the prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancer have resulted in an almost 14% decrease in the death rates from all cancers combined from 1991 to 2004 in the overall US population, with remarkable declines in mortality for the top 3 causes of cancer death in men (lung, colorectal, and prostate cancer)” Without insurance these men will not be screened or treated for a disease that has been shown to be very treatable. For people who want some help being effective advocates Thank you for bringing up this important issue on your blog and for everything you have done for men with prostate cancer. You have been a staunch and dedicated advocate for men with prostate cancer.
Thanks for the posting – very important!
Paul Sanders, Chair, Washington State Prostate Cancer Coalition, and a 10 year survivor.
Bellevue, WA
PS
Drink 8 oz of pomegranate juice daily!
PS