prostate-report.org

Innovative Imaging Technologies Needed for Prostate Cancer Detection and Treatment

Recently Congress took two key actions that recognized the value of imaging technologies in the fight against prostate cancer.

AdvaMed is pleased that the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Subcommittee included important language in its FY 2009 appropriations bill that calls for increased federal funding for the research and development of imaging technologies to detect and treat prostate cancer. We are also pleased that the U.S. House of Representatives passed H. Res. 353, a resolution supporting an increased Federal commitment to the development of innovative imaging technologies for prostate cancer detection and treatment.

AdvaMed commends the actions of the Senate and House for recognizing the potential for advanced prostate screening mechanisms to save lives, eliminate unnecessary pain and suffering for millions of men and save billions of dollars in health care spending.

The lack of accurate and affordable diagnostic tools has caused prostate cancer to reach epidemic proportions as at least one in six American men is diagnosed with the disease, resulting in over 27,000 deaths annually. This silent killer has become the second most lethal cancer in men, yet when detected in the earliest stages through appropriate screening, it is nearly 100 percent treatable.

AdvaMed would like to thank Subcommittee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Ranking Member Arlen Specter (R-PA) for their leadership and willingness to work with us on this important public health issue.   We also thank the 101 sponsors of H. Res. 353 and the U.S. House of Representatives for passing a resolution in support of efforts to advance the diffusion of enhanced prostate screening and treatment tools.