LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim September 2016, as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in the State
of New York, to be observed in conjunction with National Prostate Cancer
Awareness Month

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in recognizing serious
diseases by proclaiming official months to increase awareness of such
concerns, which affect thousands of New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 2016, as Prostate Cancer
Awareness Month in the State of New York, to be observed in conjunction
with National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, While great strides have been made in the battle against
prostate cancer, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is committed to educat-
ing people in the United States, including health care providers, about
prostate cancer and early detection strategies, which is crucial to
saving the lives of men and preserving and protecting families; and
WHEREAS, Prostate cancer is a substantial health problem in the State
of New York and throughout the United States; it is the second leading
cause of cancer-related deaths among American men; and
WHEREAS, In 2013, the State of New York had an estimated 16,720 new
prostate cancer cases, and an estimated 1,770 deaths from prostate
cancer; and
WHEREAS, One out of every six men will be diagnosed with prostate
cancer in their lifetime; prostate cancer can remain symptomless for
years; there is often no way to detect prostate cancer in its early
stages except through specific tests done by a trained professional; and
WHEREAS, The most clearly established risk factors for prostate cancer
are age, race, family history, and high-fat diets; more than 65 percent
of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65, and
African-American males suffer a prostate cancer incidence rate up to 60
percent higher than White males and are nearly 2.5 times more likely to
die from the disease; conversely, Asian men who live in Asia have the
lowest risk; and
WHEREAS, There are no noticeable symptoms of prostate cancer while it
is still in the early stages, making screening critical; and
WHEREAS, Screening by both a digital rectal examination (DRE) and a
prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test can diagnose the disease in
its early stages, increasing the chances of surviving more than five
years to nearly 100 percent, while only 33 percent of men survive more
than five years if diagnosed during the late stages of the disease; and
WHEREAS, The observance of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month has
contributed to nearly 60 percent of new cases being localized and poten-
tially curable, indicating a dramatic increase in awareness among the
general population about the importance of early detection, benefiting
millions of men and helping to save thousands of lives; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 2016, as
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York, to be observed
in conjunction with National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.