Assembly Resolution No. 1421

BY: M. of A. Rules (McDonald)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
September 2018, as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Prostate Cancer Awareness
Month

WHEREAS, It is the tradition of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months dedicated to raising awareness of serious concerns
impacting citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 2018, as
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction
with the observance of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is dedicated to educating
people in the United States, including health care providers, about
prostate cancer and the early detection strategies that have proven to
be essential to the lives of those battling prostate cancer; and

WHEREAS, As of 2017, The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimated
roughly 161,360 new cases and 26,730 deaths due to prostate cancer in
the United States; as for New York State, the ACS projected 10,060 new
cases and 1,560 deaths due to prostate cancer; and

WHEREAS, Remaining the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths
amongst American men, prostate cancer statistics show that one out of
every nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime;
and

WHEREAS, 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
potentially 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 2018, as
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction
with the observance of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.