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