Department of Health Unveils First Prostate Cancer Task Force Report on the State of Prostate Health in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Secretary of Health Dr. Karen Murphy announced the availability of the Prostate Cancer Task Force Report, which outlines recommendations for improving the health of Pennsylvania men.

"The task force was created to study a very important issue that impacts many Pennsylvanians," Secretary Murphy said. "The findings of this report will allow us to better educate and support individuals and their families who have or are at risk for this disease."

In 2015, through Act 66, the Prostate Cancer Task Force was created to develop prevention and education strategies to address prostate cancer in the commonwealth. The task force is staffed by prostate cancer experts from across the state and those who have been personally impacted by prostate cancer. 

The report provides recommendations and suggested actions for improving prostate health in Pennsylvania. The areas of focus include surveillance, screening, diagnosis and treatment, education, survivorship, and policy. 

Today, Department of Health Deputy Secretary for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Dr. Loren Robinson joined some members of the task force at the Capitol to discuss the report's findings and recommendations. She discussed how the report will lead to more positive health outcomes for men in the commonwealth.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men, striking approximately one in six males. It is the second most common cancer death among males in Pennsylvania. Nationally, one man dies from prostate cancer approximately every 20 minutes. Prostate cancer that is detected early has a much greater chance of successful treatment.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health will continue the work of the task force through the development of a men's health workgroup to address report recommendations.

For more information on the Prostate Cancer Task Force Report, or for resources on improving prostate health, visit the Department of Health website at www.health.pa.gov or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

MEDIA CONTACT: April Hutcheson, 717-787-1783 or [email protected]

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health

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http://www.health.pa.gov/