Crapo, Menendez Celebrate Senate Passage of Resolution Recognizing September as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Bob Menendez (D-New Jersey) applaud the unanimous passage of Senate Resolution 645 in recognition of September 2022 as “National Prostate Awareness Month.”

Crapo and Menendez authored the bipartisan resolution aimed at increasing awareness of prostate cancer, which is the second-most common cancer in American men next to skin cancer.  By recognizing this month as “National Prostate Awareness Month,” the Senate also encouraged all Americans to take part in efforts to increase early detection, improve treatment and discover a cure for the disease.  Representative Donald Payne, Jr. (D-New Jersey) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania) sponsored the resolution in the House of Representatives.

“Checkups and testing for prostate cancer can save lives if found early,” said Crapo.  “Early screenings and warnings are vitally important to detecting and treating many other types of cancer as well.  Congress must use every avenue available to continue raising awareness about the risks and early screenings to combat prostate cancer.”

“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men, yet it’s a highly preventable disease,” said Menendez.  “Congress has a responsibility to promote awareness and encourage men across America to increase early detection and find better treatment, thereby increasing the survival rates of American men.  Early detection is key to prostate cancer survival, and no one should think it’s too early to discuss testing options with their healthcare provider.”

“I am proud to introduce this resolution because prostate cancer is a major health problem and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths for African-American men nationwide,” said Payne.  “In addition, prostate cancer will account for more than one-third of all new cancers in African-American men this year alone.  If we can raise awareness, we can encourage more Americans, especially African Americans, to get screened and get early treatments.  As Co-Chair of the Congressional Men’s Health Caucus and Colorectal Cancer Caucus, I am committed to raising awareness of this disease during National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and encouraging more Americans to get regular prostate cancer screenings to catch this disease early and save lives.”

“Each September we raise awareness for the nearly 1 in 8 men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer,” said Fitzpatrick.  “More than 260,000 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year alone, and it is critical that we continue to search for a cure to this disease that affects so many people around the world.”

Idaho ranks fourth in the nation for prostate cancer deaths.  The American Cancer Society estimates 8,580 new prostate cancer cases and 750 deaths in 2022.

“Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is a key opportunity to ensure that every man knows his risk for prostate cancer, and how to take steps to catch the disease early.  Early detection saves lives,” said Jamie Bearse, President of ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer.  “Senators Menendez and Crapo have been stalwart champion of the cause – helping men and their families to fight prostate cancer – and we’re proud to partner with them and our other champions in Congress during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and all year long.”

Senators Ron Wyden (D-Oregon.), Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts), Ben Cardin (D-Maryland), Angus King (D-Maine), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) Chris Coons (D-Delaware), Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Alex Padilla (D-California) also co-sponsored the resolution.