IA

103D CONGRESS

1ST SESSION H. J. RES. 209

To designate the week of June 12 through 19, 1994, as ‘‘National Men’s

Health Week’’.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

JUNE 8, 1993

Mr. RICHARDSON introduced the following joint resolution; which was referred

to the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service

JOINT RESOLUTION

To designate the week of June 12 through 19, 1994, as

‘‘National Men’s Health Week’’.

Whereas despite the advances in medical technology and research, men continue to live an average of 7 years less

than women;

Whereas the likelihood that a man will develop prostate cancer is 1 in 11;

Whereas the number of men contracting prostate cancer will

reach over 120,000 in 1993, with an expected one-third

of the cases to die from the disease;
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Whereas testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers

in men aged 15–34, and when detected early, has an 87

percent survival rate;

Whereas the number of men contracting lung disease will

reach over 100,000 in 1993, with an expected 85 percent

of the cases to die from the disease;

Whereas the number of cases of colon cancer among men will

reach over 80,000 in 1993; with nearly one-third of the

cases to die from the disease;

Whereas the death rate for prostate cancer has grown at almost twice the death rate of breast cancer in the last five

years;

Whereas African-American men in the United States have the

highest incidence in the world of cancer of the prostate;

Whereas men are seven times as likely as women to be arrested for drunk driving and three times as likely to be

alcoholics;

Whereas women visit the doctor 150 percent as often as men,

enabling them to detect health problems in their early

stages;

Whereas significant numbers of male related health problems

such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, infertility, and

colon cancer, could be detected and treated if men’s

awareness of these problems was more pervasive;

Whereas educating both the public and health care providers

about the importance of early detection of male health

problems will result in reducing rates of mortality for

these diseases;

Whereas appropriate use of tests such as Prostate Specific

Antigen (PSA) exams, blood pressure screens, cholesterol
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screens, etc., in conjunction with clinical examination and

self-testing for problems such as testicular cancer can result in the detection of many of these problems in their

early stages and increases in the survival rates to nearly

100 percent;

Whereas many men are reluctant to visit their health center

or physician for regular screening examinations of male

related problems for a variety of reasons including fear,

lack of information, and cost factors; and

Whereas men who are educated about the value that preventive health can play in prolonging their lifespan and their

role as a productive family member will be more likely to

participate in health screenings: Now, therefore, be it

1 Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives

2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

3 That June 12 through 19, 1994, is designated as National

4 Men’s Health Week, and the President is authorized and

5 requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people

6 of the United States to observe this week with appropriate

7 programs and activities.

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