(4) In 2011, approximately 10,240 men were diagnosed
with prostate cancer in this Commonwealth. In that same year,
nearly 1,300 men died from prostate cancer.
(5) As of 2014, this Commonwealth does not provide or
disseminate prostate cancer information as part of a public
health campaign or message.
(6) Currently a lack of consensus regarding prostate
cancer screening guidelines creates an environment of
confusion leading to inconsistent screening rates across this
Commonwealth.
(7) When diagnosed at an early stage, prostate cancer
survival rates are very high.
Section 3. Legislative intent.
It is the intent of the General Assembly:
(1) To provide the public with information and education
to create greater public awareness of the prevalence of and
measures available to detect, diagnose and treat prostate
cancer and related chronic prostate conditions.
(2) To ensure that:
(i) Medical professionals, insurers, patients and
governmental agencies are educated about risk factors and
screening guidelines.
(ii) Medical professionals provide patients with
sufficient information about treatment options to enable
patients to make an informed choice as part of informed
consent and to respect the autonomy of that choice.
(iii) Commonwealth agencies provide unbiased
information regarding screening, diagnosis and treatment
options.
(iv) Uniform screening guidelines are established
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