OUR CONGRESSMAN PUSHING FOR PROSTATE HEALTH PROTECTION

From Rep. Donald Payne's office:

PAYNE INTRODUCES RESOLUTION TO PROTECT QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PROSTATE CANCER SURVIVORS

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) joined with Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) to introduce a resolution to protect the quality of life for prostate cancer survivors.

“I am proud to introduce this resolution in support of prostate cancer survivors and veterans suffering from significant urological trauma as an unfortunate result of cancer treatment therapies,” said Congressman Payne, Jr. “While today’s prostate cancer treatments increase survival outcomes, they can also cause negative side effects, such as lasting incontinence and impotence. This can negatively affect a prostate cancer survivor’s quality of life, causing emotional stress for the patient and harming his relationship with his partner. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this resolution and improve the lives of prostate cancer survivors.”

One in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime, and an estimated 2.7 million men currently live with prostate cancer in the United States. African American men are at an increased risk of being diagnosed with and dying from this disease.

For many men suffering from impotence as a result of a radical prostatectomy, an operation to remove the prostate, surgery is required to improve the condition. Medicare Part A currently covers the procedure for these men, as well as for men who suffer from diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis. VA benefits cover the treatment for service members who have experienced significant urological trauma and veterans with prostate cancer.

This bipartisan resolution calls on Congress to maintain these important quality-of-life benefits for Medicare beneficiaries and veterans.