Senators Hammerstrom and Sikkema offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 62.

            A resolution commemorating September 2005 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Michigan.

            Whereas, The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization working together with local Michigan medical educational institutions and hospitals to eliminate cancer as a major health problem, thereby saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service; and

            Whereas, Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer found in American men, with a new case occurring every two and one-half minutes. In the last decade alone, over 350,000 people have died of prostate cancer--nearly as many deaths as from breast cancer and more than three times the number of individuals killed by AIDS; and

            Whereas, In 2005, it is estimated nationally that 232,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and of those, 30,000 will die from it. In Michigan, it is estimated that 7,800 men will be diagnosed and 1,200 will die as a result of prostate cancer in 2005. Sadly, many of these deaths may have been prevented through increased awareness of prostate cancer and preventive measures such as advanced screening.  Since the use of early detection tests for prostate cancer became relatively common, the prostate cancer death rate has dropped; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That September 2005 be proclaimed as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Michigan to aid health care institutions throughout Michigan in the educational and preventive efforts.