One Step Closer - Resolution Passes S.C. House
"We are changing the tide…. NOW in South Carolina, PSA screening is still advocated!” – Dr. Vipul Patel
It was in May of 2012 that those in the fight against prostate cancer received what could become a most fatal blow with respect to prostate cancer screening, detection, diagnosis and most importantly prevention and treatment. At the time the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released a decision that would recommend against the use of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for men at risk of prostate cancer. Opposition and controversy grew quickly, with leaders such as the American Urological Association vocalizing the shear importance of PSA screening for men – a simple blood test, that acts as the only widely available test for prostate cancer.
The decision has been at the forefront of our battle here at The International Prostate Cancer Foundation (IPCF) and it is with great satisfaction that we announce a monumental achievement in our efforts, and of those with us in the fight to resolve this issue:
As of March 12th 2013, the South Carolina House has passed a resolution petitioning the United States Congress – to seek withdrawal of the USPSTF recommendations against PSA screening.
The resolution successfully passed the South Carolina Senate in February of this year, and with combined concurrence the prospective impact looks promising.
Expressed gratitude is due and extended to Senator Nikki Setzler of South Carolina for his continued support and direct involvement in said initiative. A valued board member of The International Prostate Cancer Foundation, former patient of Dr. Vipul Patel, activist and prostate cancer survivor, we salute him!
As we celebrate this historic event, Senator Setzler leaves us with the following statement:
“I want to sincerely thank my colleagues in the S.C. General Assembly for their support of this resolution. I think it sends the wrong message when our citizens are discouraged from seeking early detection of life-threatening diseases. Knowledge is power. Informed patients guided by knowledgeable, competent physicians can make the best choices about their health care and treatment options. I am a living testament of that. In closing, I want to thank the International Prostate Cancer Foundation for all its efforts. The organization has helped to change my life and the lives of many others.” – Nikki Setzler
We are now even one step closer to eradicating prostate cancer!!
Our hope is that triumphs such as these act as a catalyst for change nationwide. We perpetuate such efforts through our petition to the USPSTF – urging themto recant their negative decision – and encourage you ALL to sign, support and spread the initiative!
ACTION facilitates CHANGE, and change can SAVE LIVES!!
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For more info on resolution: