It’s foolish to tell men not to get tested
Foolishness — that’s what the Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition (and survivors like me) say to recommendations that men not be tested (“Panel says PSA tests unneeded,” News, May 22.)
Why test? Prostate cancer often has few or no early-stage symptoms. Late-stage prostate cancer offers men fewer treatment options and reduced cure rates.
Georgia has the fourth-highest per capita death rate in the nation due to this cancer. Awareness is the reason the Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition has worked with our state to offer a prostate cancer license plate.
Side effects merit consideration, but many treatments exist to help men maximize their quality of life.
Men have a right to know if they have cancer. They should educate themselves, get tested and work closely with their doctor to make an informed decision on whether to be treated.
Do you want to enjoy more birthdays? Get tested. You’ll be glad — and so will your family.
Rich Lapin, vice president,
Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition
Unquestionably vital to metro area’s future
Some of the debate (and occasional demagoguery) about transportation in metro Atlanta and the nation might be alleviated if there were more understanding of this vital component of our economy and way of life.
Would there even be an Atlanta had not the railroads come to the area in a big way? Would Atlanta be recognized worldwide without major investments in our airport over the years? Would the Olympics be part of Atlanta’s history had there been no MARTA? Would there have been a booming, vibrant metro area without the interstate highways?
Will Atlanta “bounce back” from the recent recession without significant transportation infrastructure improvement and additional transit modes? Will the reality that some taxpayer support is, and always has been, essential for transportation progress be better understood in the weeks ahead? Considering such questions might help assure a brighter future for most metro residents.
Richard E. Hodges,
Marietta
Obama pales when compared to Romney
It is impossible for Mitt Romney to reciprocate President Barack Obama’s recent attacks regarding his business experience. Why? The president has absolutely none. He went from scholarship student to community activist to politician.
Romney grew up in a hardworking household and spent time in austere conditions learning a foreign language and culture, and interacting with everyday folks. He has had vast experience in both the public and private sectors.
Obama is rhetoric and theory without substance. So who is better qualified to tackle this country’s dire economic problems?
John R. Ibbotson,
Peachtree City
