Dr. Harold Varmus
Director National Institutes of Health
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20892
Dear Dr. Varmus:
I have been contacted by several individuals who believe that NIH has failed
to direct adequate attention to the problem of prostatitis and its relationship
with benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostate cancer. Attached please find
a copy of Dr. Brad Hennenfent's letter.
The physical and emotional cost of this condition cannot be calculated.
It affects millions of American's every year. It is indiscriminant, striking
old and young alike, and in severe cases, may lead to a fatal condition.
We need to ensure that adequate resources are made available to fully investigate
the etiology, course, and possible treatments of this condition.
While the Republican's budget proposal would severely curtail federal expenditures
in future years and make it more difficult to increase or redirect research
funds, I sincerely hope that you will give this important matter the utmost
consideration. I also would appreciate it if you could direct your staff
to respond to Dr. Hennenfent's inquiry.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Lane Evans
Member of Congress
cc:Dr. Phillip Gordon Director
NIDDK/NIH
Building 31, Room 9A52
31 Center DR MSC
2560 Bethesda, MD 20892-2560