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 re-
search, men continue to live an average of 7 years less
than women;
Whereas the likelihood that a man will develop prostate can-
cer 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 al-
most 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 ar-
rested 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 re-
sult 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 preven-
tive 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
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
That June 12 through 19, 1994, is designated as National
Men’s Health Week, and the President is authorized and
requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people
of the United States to observe this week with appropriate
programs and activities.
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