U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-MD) have introduced groundbreaking legislation authorizing $180 million in new federal spending for improved early detection of prostate cancer, a health care epidemic which now strikes an American man every 2.5 minutes and claims the life of an American man every 16 minutes. Moreover, African American men have a 60% higher incidence and a 250% higher mortality than any other ethnic group.
The Boxer-Cummings bill comes as political, advocacy and medical leaders converged at the State House today in support of advancement of early detection of prostate cancer, which is critical for saving lives. The rally saluted this historic legislation, which offers hope to millions of men faced with the recent recommendation of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force against PSA screening, which is the only tool available today for early diagnosis and treatment. “We cannot continue to put at risk the many American men whose very lives depend upon reliable detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer. I am proud to introduce this bill with Senator Boxer to ensure that men get the treatment they need, and that those at low-risk are spared from unnecessary intervention. I believe that investment in prostate cancer research is critical to reducing the terrible impact of this disease,” said Congressman Cummings.
► Press Release from AdMeTech Foundation
► Letter of support: from MA General Court to MA Delegation to US Congress
► Press Release of U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer
