OP-ED: California lawmakers should address health disparities, stem rise in prostate cancer
Below is an Op-ed article authored by Peter N. Bretan, Jr., MD (CUA Past-President and CMA President) published by The Pajaronian newspaper.
As California continues to grapple with the present effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, we are also beginning to consider the longer-term health impacts, including the significant percentage of Californians that delayed or avoided medical care due to concerns over Covid-19. The result is that, despite the availability of effective tests and innovative medicines to treat many chronic conditions and life-threatening diseases such as prostate cancer, the number of those affected continues to grow. To help prevent unnecessary deaths from prostate cancer, the California Assembly should take action to increase access to early detection and screening services, particularly for underserved and vulnerable communities…..