RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 2026 AS "PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Wilson & Rep. Vanderwende

Sens. Hoffner, Huxtable, Pinkney, Sokola, Walsh; Reps. Berry, Bush, Carson, Dukes, Gorman, Heffernan, Hensley, S. Moore, Morrison, Osienski, Ross Levin, Michael Smith, Snyder-Hall, Yearick

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 195

RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 2026 AS "PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, prostate cancer is a disease that typically develops slowly in the prostate gland, though in some cases it can grow rapidly and spread beyond the prostate; and

WHEREAS, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States, following skin cancer; and

WHEREAS, approximately 1 in 456 men under the age of 50 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, with the risk increasing to 1 in 54 for men ages 50–59, 1 in 19 for ages 60–69, and 1 in 11 for men 70 and older; and

WHEREAS, older men and African American men have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer; and

WHEREAS, the average age of diagnosis is 67, and while rare, cases have been diagnosed in men younger than 40; and

WHEREAS, the American Cancer Society estimates that in 2026, there will be approximately 333,830 new cases of prostate cancer and 36,320 related deaths nationwide, including an estimated 1,410 new cases and 150 deaths in Delaware; and

WHEREAS, despite significant progress in treatment and awareness over the past decade, prostate cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men in the United States, after lung cancer, with approximately 1 in 44 men dying from the disease; and

WHEREAS, an estimated 3.5 million men in the United States are currently living with prostate cancer, and with early detection and diagnosis, the survival rate is approximately 98%; and

WHEREAS, common symptoms of prostate cancer may include frequent urges to urinate, difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, and pain in the lower back and hips; and

WHEREAS, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month was first recognized in 2003 by President George W. Bush to increase awareness, encourage screenings, and promote research; and

WHEREAS, the Prostate Conditions Education Council recommends that men begin baseline screening at age 40, including a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test and a digital rectal exam; and

WHEREAS, regular screening and early conversations with healthcare providers can help detect prostate cancer at earlier, more treatable stages and improve survival outcomes; and

WHEREAS, light blue is the official color representing prostate cancer awareness.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the General Assembly hereby recognizes September 2026 as "Prostate Cancer Awareness Month" in the State of Delaware.

SYNOPSIS

This Senate Concurrent Resolution recognizes September 2026 as "Prostate Cancer Awareness Month" in the State of Delaware.

Author: Senator Wilson