• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Statement From Men's Health Network: U.S. Presidential Candidates Overlook Real Problem in U.K. & U.S. Health Policies Towards Men

Posted on: Monday, 5 November 2007, 18:00 CST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement from Men's Health Network:

Men's Health Network is encouraged that U.S. presidential candidates are finally discussing the issue of prostate cancer not just in the United States but abroad in the United Kingdom as well. While various statistics from different campaigns are debated, Men's Health Network is still disappointed that each presidential campaign has failed to point out both the U.S. and U.K. current policies lack encouragement for men to take the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to screen for the possibility of cancer. According to the U.K.'s NHS Cancer Screening Programmes, "All men should know they are having a PSA test and be informed of the implications prior to testing. Opportunistic PSA testing is not recommended."

The United States, while providing free screenings for breast cancer for women through the Center for Disease Control, provides no such screening program for prostate cancer. In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says the following on it's website: "The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concludes that the evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against routine screening for prostate cancer using prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing or digital rectal examination (DRE)."

Regardless of which campaign has the correct numbers, the culture of ignoring men's health needs to change first. The promotion of prostate cancer awareness and prevention is a first step toward healthier men in the United States and for our friends across the pond.

Established in 1991, the Men's Health Network is an informational and educational organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of men and their families. MHN outreach is designed to work within the family to encourage healthy behaviors, regular checkups, and age appropriate screening in men and boys. Programs include establishment of Men's Health Weeks in the various states, the toll-free Men's Healthline, interactive web sites, screenings for various health problems, public policy analysis, and data consolidation and distribution.

Men's Health Network

CONTACT: Kerry Picket, Director of Communications of Men's HealthNetwork, Email: communications@menshealthnetwork.org, Phone: +1-202-543-6461ext. 102, Cell: +1-646-441-7059

Web Site: http://www.menshealthnetwork.org/

Source: PRNewswire-USNewswire

More News in this Category