Key Massachusetts Legislators Lead the Nation in Declaring Prostate Cancer a Public Health Priority

BOSTON, Sept. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Senate President Therese Murray jointly with Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo set a historic precedent by declaring prostate cancer as a public priority, central challenge in men's health and a major disparity issue.  The Senate President introduced the Massachusetts General Court Resolutions at the Third Annual Prostate Cancer Awareness Day at the Massachusetts State House on Thursday, September 15. The Resolutions recognized AdMeTech Foundation, the Boston-based nonprofit that hosted the event in cooperation with Boston Bruins Icon Mike Milbury, leaders of medicine and advocacy groups, including the Massachusetts Prostate Cancer Coalition, US Too International, Prostate Health Education Network, and with support from the American Cancer Society.  

Speaker of the House DeLeo said, "I would like to issue a call to action to my colleagues at the State House, our world-leading universities, advocacy, philanthropic and other organizations: Lend your voice and your efforts to improving early detection which will save lives and improve quality of lives in millions of men. Together, we will make sure our families and our communities will not have to grieve – ever again - for our fathers, brothers or sons." He also added, "I would like to acknowledge Representative Kulik, Senators Brewer and Donnelly for setting up an example for so many men in our country and our state by having the courage to speak up about their experience with prostate cancer and the generosity to transform their personal experience into a public service."  

Senator Stephen Brewer, Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means; Senator Kenneth Donnelly, Chair of the Committee on Administration and Regulatory Oversight, and Representative Stephen Kulik, Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means have been providing leadership in the battle against the prostate cancer crisis and co-hosted the State House event.

Prostate cancer is the most common major cancer in the United States, striking as many as 1 in 6 men; it is 250% more lethal and 60% more common in African American men. Mr. Milbury pointed out that prostate cancer has become even more common than breast cancer and expressed his support for AdMeTech Foundation's efforts to create a life-saving "Manogram™." "I applaud members of the State House who have created a Massachusetts model of national leadership in leading the battle against the prostate cancer crisis."

ABOUT ADMETECH FOUNDATION: A Boston-based non-profit organization which conducts ground-breaking programs in research, education and awareness to advance diagnostic tools for improved early detection and treatment of prostate cancer.  (www.admetech.org)

SOURCE AdMeTech Foundation