Assembly Resolution No. 1263

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

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
illnesses that affect the lives of 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; and

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 2018, there are expected to be about 164,690 new cases
of prostate cancer and about 29,430 deaths from prostate cancer; in New
York, it is estimated that 9,880 men will be diagnosed with prostate
cancer in 2018; 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 cancer 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; New York
State will continue to push for critical research and advance treatments
for prostate cancer; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body encourages all New Yorkers to become
informed and aware of prostate cancer so they can have an informed
conversation with their healthcare provider regarding possible screening
and diagnostic methods and, if necessary, treatments to improve health
outcomes and psychosocial support for people affected by prostate
cancer; 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; 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.