> Colloquy Regarding Men's Health

Colloquy
Between Senators Crapo and Specter
Office of Men's Health
October 25, 2005

Mr. CRAPO: Mr. President, I rise to engage the distinguished Subcommittee Chairman in a colloquy.

Mr. SPECTER: I yield to the Senator.

Mr. CRAPO: I want to express my appreciation for your efforts, and those of the Subcommittee Ranking Member, Senator Harkin, in working to ensure the health and well-being of Americans everywhere. As you know, a silent health crisis is currently affecting America's men. On average, American men live shorter and less healthy lives than American women. Men lead in each of the 15 major causes of death in America except Alzheimer's and have a life span of almost six years shorter than their female counterparts. While this health crisis is of particular concern to men, it is also a concern for women whose fathers, husbands, sons and brothers feel the physical, financial and emotional effects of poor health. Men's health is also a concern for employers who pay the costs of medical care, and lose productive employees. In addition, federal, state and local governments must often absorb the enormous costs of premature death and disability, including the costs of caring for dependents left behind.

There are a number of ailments of particular concern to men. Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the United States among men, accounting for 33 percent of all cancer cases. An estimated 230,000 men will be newly diagnosed with prostate cancer this year alone, and approximately 30,000 will die. Prostate cancer, unfortunately, is not the only health threat facing men. Over 8,000 men, ages 15 to 40, will be diagnosed this year with testicular cancer, and 390 of these men will die of this disease in 2005.

Fortunately, many of these conditions are treatable if detected early enough. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2001 and thanks to early detection and treatment was able to beat the disease. I had prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests and other recommended test every three to six-months after my surgery. Last year, my doctors detected a slight rise in PSA, and I underwent successful radiation treatment. Because I caught and treated the onset of this disease early on, I was able to beat it, again. Appropriate use of tests such as PSA exams and blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol screens, in conjunction with clinical exams and self-testing, can result in the early detection of many problems and in increased survival rates.

Unfortunately, many men are not taking the steps necessary to protect themselves and their families from these devastating conditions. Statistically, women visit the doctor far more often than men. Too often, men fail to get routine checkups or health counseling, and they often ignore symptoms or delay seeking medical attention when sick or in pain. In addition, when men do seek care, embarrassment can often prevent them from openly discussing health concerns with their physicians.

To increase men's health awareness I've introduced legislation to establish an Office of Men's Health under the Department of Health and Human Services. This office would be based on the Office of Women's Health, currently operating within HHS, which has done a fantastic job of assisting women in identifying and battling many conditions common to women. Educating men, their families, and health care providers about the importance of early detection of male health problems can result in reducing rates of mortality for male-specific diseases, as well as improve the health of America's men and its overall economic well-being. While an Office of Men's Health is not a cure-all, it will assist men to focus on many health problems that can be treated successfully if diagnosed early. Prevention and early detection can only happen with increased public awareness, something the proposed office hopes to provide. I yield to the distinguished Chairman to elaborate on this point.

Mr. SPECTER: I too recognize the importance of correct information, prevention, and early detection in health care. Clearly, efforts must be made to encourage men to address their health problems in a confident, timely, and meaningful manner. I encourage the Administration to work with my distinguished colleague to establish an Office of Men's Health within the Department of Health and Human Services.

Mr. CRAPO: Thank you Mr. Chairman. I yield back the floor.