Women Against Prostate Cancer announces its co-founder, Betty Gallo, will testify at the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearing “Prostate Cancer: New Questions About Screening and Treatment.” Gallo’s late husband, former Congressman Dean Gallo, battled prostate cancer and her testimony will represent the millions of wives, partners, sisters, mothers and daughters impacted by this disease. In addition to Ms. Gallo’s testimony, WAPC will submit written testimony to bring clarity to hearing’s discussion on key issues, including advocating for:
• Increased support, education for partners, caregivers and family after a prostate cancer diagnosis
• Early detection and appropriate treatment of clinically significant and potentially lethal prostate cancer, especially among men at high risk because of family history, ethnicity or other factors
• Coverage by health care insurance plans for the two annual prostate cancer tests, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination (DRE), as well as follow-up diagnostic testing when appropriate
• Additional funding for research into more effective ways to identify and discriminate between low risk (“indolent”) and higher risk (“clinically significant and potentially lethal”) forms of prostate cancer, as well as management for patients with or at risk for potentially lethal prostate cancer
Additionally, Theresa Morrow, Co-Founder of Women Against Prostate Cancer, stresses the importance of this House hearing as a way to increase prostate cancer awareness:
“Prostate cancer is a complex and problematic disease that affects not only the male patient but can also be devastating to his wife or partner and other family members. Approximately 2 million men currently live with prostate cancer and there are countless partners, spouses and loved ones who are also suffering from the effects of this disease. There has been a reported increase in the percentage of younger men (35 – 60 years old) being diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer, which can cause additional strain and stress placed on families with young children, who may face the possibility of growing up without a father.
“Over the past year, a number of prostate cancer studies have prompted a significant debate on important prostate cancer issues, such as screening, diagnostic testing, diagnosis, treatment, comparative effectiveness of treatments. The controversy around these issues has created confusion for the public. Men are often unsure if and when they should be screened for prostate cancer and some doctors aren’t sure if they should be performing prostate screenings.
“WAPC encourages physicians and their adult male patients discuss personal risks for prostate cancer and the individual need for prostate cancer testing at each patient’s annual physical exam. Also, men at higher levels of risk for prostate cancer due to ethnicity, family history, and other factors should be encouraged to undergo appropriate tests at a relatively early age.”
A live webcast of the House Hearing on prostate cancer is available at: http://oversight.house.gov/index.php?option=com_jcalpro&Itemid=2&extmode=view&extid=126
Women Against Prostate Cancer (WAPC) is a national organization that provides support for the millions of women, and their families, who are affected by prostate cancer. WAPC promotes prostate cancer awareness through education, legislation and prostate cancer support groups.
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