A resolution expressing support for the designation of September 2025 as "National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 436
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-06: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6959; text: CR S6958-6959)
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-05T21:31:42Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution (S. Res. 436) expresses support for designating September 2025 as "National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month." It aims to highlight the prevalence, risks, and importance of early detection and treatment of prostate cancer, while encouraging public education, research, and improved healthcare access.
Key Provisions
- Background Facts: The resolution outlines statistics on prostate cancer, including that over 3.3 million men in the U.S. live with the disease, 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed in their lifetime, and it is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among men. It notes higher risks for men over 50, those with family history, and the benefits of early screening (e.g., digital rectal exam and prostate-specific antigen blood test), which can lead to near-100% survival for localized cases but only 37% five-year survival if metastasized (spread to other parts of the body).
- Funding and Programs: It references fiscal year 2025 appropriations, including $48.55 billion to the National Institutes of Health (with $7.22 billion for the National Cancer Institute) and $75 million for the Department of Defense's Prostate Cancer Research Program. It also mentions the Department of Veterans Affairs' 21 Precision Oncology Centers of Excellence for treating veterans.
- Calls to Action: The Senate supports the awareness month designation and urges:
- Raising awareness of screening and treatment.
- Encouraging research into causes, better screening, treatments, and a cure.
- Improving access to and quality of healthcare for detection and treatment.
- Public involvement through education, advocacy, and observances to combat the disease's impact on individuals, families, and the economy.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic expression of congressional support rather than enacting new regulations or mandates.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: May increase public awareness, prompting more men to discuss screening with doctors, potentially leading to earlier detections and saving lives. It emphasizes education for healthcare providers and the public on risks and benefits of screening.
- On Government Agencies: Highlights existing funding for agencies like the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Department of Defense, and Department of Veterans Affairs, which could indirectly encourage sustained or increased support for prostate cancer programs without requiring new appropriations.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as the resolution focuses on domestic U.S. health issues.
- Overall, effects are primarily educational and promotional, fostering a national dialogue on prostate cancer without enforceable outcomes.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Men and Families: Particularly those at risk (e.g., men over 50 or with family history), who may benefit from heightened awareness and encouraged screenings.
- Healthcare Providers: Doctors and clinics involved in screening, diagnosis, and treatment, urged to promote discussions on early detection.
- Researchers and Medical Institutions: Supported through calls for ongoing research into prevention, causes, and cures, affecting programs at the National Cancer Institute and Department of Defense.
- Veterans: Beneficiaries of specialized VA centers for precision oncology (tailored cancer treatments based on individual tumor genetics).
- Advocacy Groups and the Public: Encouraged to participate in awareness activities, promoting broader societal involvement.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate, it has no force of law and does not require presidential approval or House concurrence. It cannot compel action but can influence policy priorities.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in promoting public welfare under the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8), without infringing on individual rights or state powers.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by Senators from both parties), signaling congressional commitment to men's health issues. It may boost visibility for related funding in future budgets and encourage similar awareness efforts for other diseases, though it avoids partisan debates on healthcare policy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-06: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6959; text: CR S6958-6959)
- 2025-10-06: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-10-06: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of September 2025 as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. — issued 2025-10-06 — PDF (4 pages)