BILL NUMBER: SCR 63	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Gaines

                        FEBRUARY 9, 2012

   Relative to Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SCR 63, as introduced, Gaines. Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
   This measure would designate the month of September 2012 as
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in the State of California.
   Fiscal committee: no.



   WHEREAS, The American Cancer Society estimates that one in six men
will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. Approximately
241,740 new cases of the disease in the United States are predicted
for 2012, resulting in nearly 28,170 deaths; and
   WHEREAS, In California, prostate cancer is the most common cancer
among men in all race and ethnic groups. African American men are at
especially high risk for prostate cancer; and
   WHEREAS, In California, approximately 23,410 men are predicted to
be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012, and, of this number,
approximately 3,110 men are predicted to die of this disease; and
   WHEREAS, While prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths
in men, little is known about this disease and there are usually no
symptoms in the early stages; and
   WHEREAS, The survival rate approaches 100 percent when prostate
cancer is diagnosed and treated early, but drops to 29 percent when
the disease spreads to other parts of the body; and
   WHEREAS, The American Cancer Society recommends that health care
providers offer a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a
digital rectal examination (DRE) annually to men who have at least a
10-year life expectancy, beginning when the men are 50 years of age;
and
   WHEREAS, Men in high-risk groups, such as African American men or
those with brothers or fathers who have had prostate cancer, should
be offered a PSA and DRE beginning when they are 45 years of age; and

   WHEREAS, Men who have multiple family members who were diagnosed
with prostate cancer at an early age should consult with their health
care provider about prostate cancer screening beginning when they
are 40 years of age; now, therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly
thereof concurring, That the Legislature designates the month of
September 2012 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in the State of
California and encourages public officials and citizens of California
to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs; and
be it further
   Resolved, That the Legislature joins communities across our nation
to increase the awareness of the importance of early detection and
treatment of prostate cancer; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this
resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.