MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2021 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Frazier, Barnett, Branning, Caughman, England, Jackson (11th), McCaughn
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DECLARING THAT SEPTEMBER 2021 IS "PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH" IN MISSISSIPPI.
WHEREAS, one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime; and
WHEREAS, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American men and the most commonly diagnosed; and
WHEREAS, in 2021 there are expected to be about 164,690 new cases of prostate cancer and about 29,430 deaths from prostate cancer. In Mississippi it is estimated that 2,380 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2021; and
WHEREAS, prostate cancer affects all races and socioeconomic classes. However, African-American men are at an increased risk for developing prostate cancer compared to white men and other men of color. One in six African-American men will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime; and
WHEREAS, overall, African-American men are 1.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with and 2.3 times more likely to die from prostate cancer than white men. African-American men are also slightly more likely than white men to be diagnosed with advanced stages of the disease; and
WHEREAS, finding prostate cancer when it is still at an early stage offers the best hope for effective treatment and living cancer free; and
WHEREAS, if the disease progresses to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), the prognosis is poor with median survival of about three years; and
WHEREAS, the patient, family, health and economic burdens of prostate cancer, particularly of advanced-stage, are large; and
WHEREAS, improved awareness of prostate cancer, understanding of increased risks for developing it, as well as access to recent medical advances that may extend the time a patient lives without their cancer spreading, are important to improve patient outcomes; and
WHEREAS, shared decision making between the patient, his family and other caregivers, and a physician is important to support the appropriate care for an individual's clinical situation; and
WHEREAS, patients should consult their physicians regarding individual risk to developing prostate cancer as well as when screening and related tests for early detection of prostate cancer are indicated, and to understand the risks and possible benefits of screening; and
WHEREAS, individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer can speak with their physician and other health care providers to learn more about the disease, and find support groups and services in their community or online; and
WHEREAS, additional focus is needed on the personal and social burdens of prostate cancer to anticipate the needs and provide support to the patient, his family and other caregivers; and
WHEREAS, there is still more research to be done for prostate cancer so that new and more effective treatments can be developed. Mississippi will continue to push for critical research and advance treatments for prostate cancer:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby declare September 2021 as "Prostate Cancer Awareness Month" in Mississippi.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we ask the citizens of Mississippi to become informed and aware of prostate cancer so that they can have an informed conversation with their health care provider regarding possible screening and diagnostic methods and, if necessary, treatments to improve health outcomes and psychosocial support for people affected by prostate cancer.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to the Mississippi Cancer League and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.