Boston, U.S.A. — U.S. Sen. John F. Kerry led unanimous passage of the Senate Resolution 493 to recognize prostate cancer as an epidemic striking African American men disproportionately, with 250% higher mortality and 60% higher incidence. This bipartisan legislation urges federal agencies to support research for the advancement of diagnostic tools, including novel biomarkers and imaging technologies. Improved diagnostic tools will save lives and assure individualized, the least invasive and the most cost-effective patient care in millions of American men.

Senator Kerry said, “Prostate cancer is an epidemic – it kills every 16 minutes. This disease killed my dad, but I was lucky to beat it ten years ago, I introduced this resolution in the Senate to bring attention to this silent killer, how it disproportionately affects African Americans, and the need for additional federal investment in prostate cancer research, education, and awareness.

I’ve been through the battle against prostate cancer and I understand the strain a diagnosis places on the patient and their loved ones. We need to stay focused on research and arm Americans with the tools to prevent, detect, cure and treat this disease, and I’m grateful to my colleagues and our advocates for pushing this resolution through.”

Dr. Faina Shtern, President of AdMeTech Foundation who worked with Senator Kerry and his staff for several years on prostate cancer research funding issues commented, “We applaud Senator Kerry’s leadership in national recognition of prostate cancer as a public health priority and a health care crisis in African American men.

This legislation offers hope to millions of men who are left in the state of shock and confusion by the recent recommendation of the US Preventive Services Task Force against PSA screening, the only diagnostic tool currently available for early detection. Ending PSA screening is not the answer to the prostate cancer crisis. The Kerry resolution in support of research to improve diagnostic tools is.”

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in the United States, but federal research support is lagging behind, and men do not have reliable diagnostic tools. The impact is sobering: While prostate cancer is curable when detected early, it remains the second most lethal cancer in men, killing over 30,000 men each year.

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