CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION

98

Introduced by Senator Niello

June 11, 2026

Relative to Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

WHEREAS, Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed nonskin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 333,830 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2026, and approximately 36,320 men will die from the disease, equating to one death every 15 minutes; and

WHEREAS, More than 3,300,000 men in the United States are currently living with prostate cancer; and

WHEREAS, One in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, and 1 in 41 will die from the disease; and

WHEREAS, African American men face disproportionately higher risks, with approximately one in six diagnosed and mortality rates nearly twice that of other populations; and

WHEREAS, The risk of prostate cancer increases significantly after 50 years of age and is higher among individuals with a family history of the disease; and

WHEREAS, Prostate cancer often presents no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, making early detection through appropriate screening critically important; and

WHEREAS, Screening methods, including prostate-specific antigen blood tests and digital rectal examinations, may detect prostate cancer at an early and more treatable stage; and

WHEREAS, When detected early, the survival rate for localized and regional prostate cancer approaches nearly 100 percent, while survival rates drop significantly once the cancer has metastasized; and

WHEREAS, Recent trends indicate that prostate cancer screening and routine testing may decline or be discontinued for some patients without adequate consultation or understanding of the associated risks; and

WHEREAS, It is essential that patients are aware of any changes to recommended testing practices and are empowered to make informed decisions about their health; and

WHEREAS, Individuals are strongly encouraged to speak with their physicians to understand their personal risk factors, the benefits and risks of screening, and whether continued testing is appropriate for them; and

WHEREAS, Increasing public awareness, education, and proactive communication between patients and health care providers can save lives and protect families; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That the Senate hereby designates September 2026 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in California; and be it further

Resolved, That the Senate encourages all individuals, particularly those at higher risk, to engage in informed discussions with their health care providers regarding prostate cancer screening and early detection; and be it further

Resolved, That the Senate urges increased awareness of the importance of continued vigilance in prostate cancer testing; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.