* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Middleton
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
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Prostate Cancer Awareness Month - September 2013
FOR the purpose of recognizing September 2013 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and joining advocates nationwide in seeking to raise awareness of the risks of prostate cancer, and the huge benefits of regular testing, in order to rededicate ourselves to the struggle against prostate cancer here in Baltimore and throughout our nation.
body
Recitals
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths among American men, primarily affecting men who are over 50. According to the American Cancer Society, 241,740 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, and 28,170 will die from the disease. Over the course of their lifetimes, roughly 1 in 6 men will get prostate cancer.
Since prostate cancer is relatively slow growing, and there are no obvious symptoms indicating early onset, doctors recommend annual prostate cancer screenings for men over the age of 45. Those with higher risk for prostate cancer, especially those with a family history of the disease or African-American men, should begin annual screenings at 40.
Testing for prostate cancer is straightforward, it involves a simple blood test and a brief physical exam, but absolutely vital to catching the disease early and increasing survival chances. Nearly 100% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer in the early stages are still alive 5 years later, but only 33.4% of men diagnosed in the late stages survive 5 years.
African-American men are particularly vulnerable to prostate cancer, nearly 1 in 4 will get it at some point in their lives - the highest rate of any population worldwide. Worse, African Americans are 2.5 times more likely to die from the disease.
Widespread awareness of the risks of prostate cancer, and the huge benefits of regular testing, are absolutely essential if we are to make progress toward reducing this disease's toll. As President Obama noted in proclaiming Prostate Cancer Awareness Month last year; "Too many men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetimes. As we mark National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, let us support the families who fight alongside them, pay tribute to the professionals who pursue the highest standards of care, and rededicate ourselves to improving outcomes for prostate cancer patients across our country".
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That the Council recognizes September 2013 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and joins advocates nationwide in seeking to raise awareness of the risks of prostate cancer, and the huge benefits of regular testing, in order to rededicate ourselves to the struggle against prostate cancer here in Baltimore and throughout our nation.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Health Commissioner, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
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