government
Senate calls prostate cancer an epidemic for blacks
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Aug. 13, 2012
The Senate cited an epidemic of prostate cancer among blacks and called for federal agencies to coordinate activities to prevent and treat the disease.
The July 26 resolution recognized that there are higher rates of prostate cancer in black men. The Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University found that prostate cancer occurred in 234.6 per 100,000 blacks, while it was found in 150.4 per 100,000 white men between 2003 and 2007. Mortality rates also were twice as high for blacks during that time.
“I introduced this resolution in the Senate to bring attention to this silent killer, how it disproportionately affects African-Americans and the need for additional federal investment in prostate cancer research, education and awareness,” Sen. John Kerry (D, Mass.) said in a statement. “I’ve been through the battle against prostate cancer, and I understand the strain a diagnosis places on the patient and their loved ones.”
The resolution recognizes prostate cancer as a public health crisis for blacks. It urges federal agencies to support research, education and improved health care outcomes for those at an elevated risk of prostate cancer. Federal agencies also should focus on improving early detection and treatment of prostate cancer, such as the use of biomarkers to distinguish indolent and lethal forms of cancer and advanced imaging tools, it states.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/08/13/gvbf0813.htm.
