Jan. 27, 2010
Rahall: House Cites Alarming Cancer Rates
By Huntingtonnews.net Staff
Beckley, WV (HNN) – U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-WV, along with his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives, voted recently to pass a resolution citing high cancer rates and urging Americans to undergo regular screenings to diagnose cancer in its beginning stages by supporting designating an Early Detection Month for Breast Cancer and All Forms of Cancer (H.Con.Res. 158).
“Despite the promising number of cancer survivors today, due in large part to regular screenings, cancer rates remain alarmingly too high. Early cancer detection is still the most effective way to save lives,” said Rahall. “We must continue to put an emphasis on routine checkups for deadly diseases such as cancer, so they can be detected and treated quickly.”
While the search for a cancer cure continues, much progress has been made in the areas of prevention, detection and treatment of cancers. However, over 2 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed each year, and the statistics continue to alarm. Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers affecting women, and prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men. Only non-melanoma skin cancer remains more common for men and women overall. Currently, it is estimated that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
"Recently there has been debate regarding the early detection of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society supports the use of mammography and clinical breast self exams as the best way to detect breast cancer early in its most treatable stage,” explained Hersha Arnold Brown, State Government Relations Director for American Cancer Society Chapter, Huntington, W.Va.
The American Cancer Society also commended Congressman Rahall and the House of Representatives for supporting the American Cancer Society and its mission to save more lives through the early detection of all cancers including breast cancer.
In remarks Rahall included in the Congressional Record, he stated, “As a cancer survivor myself, I stand here as proof that early detection can save lives. Sadly, thousands of West Virginia women faced breast cancer diagnosis in 2009 alone. Yet each year, more women survive their battle with breast cancer due to medical advances in early detection and treatment.”
The steady decline in deaths resulting from breast cancer can be attributed to an increase in the number of women who receive mammograms and the development of powerful new drugs that successfully treat cancer. Medical researchers, including those at Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine in Huntington, West Virginia, have been working to improve those figures—but early detection remains an important key to saving lives, which contributed to Rahall’s strong support of this effort to designate an Early Detection Month to bring attention and focus to this critical issue.
“As many people are aware, in 2006 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and subsequently underwent surgery,” said Rahall. “I am very thankful for all of the West Virginians who contacted me to offer their prayers and support as I prepared for my procedures, through my recovery, and up to this day. I am also truly grateful to the doctors who were able to diagnose my cancer early and – with immediate treatment, they improved my chances for survival.”
Cancer screening is often quick and easy and many testing measures can be performed in a local doctor’s office. Many lives can be saved and thus, many families spared a tragic heartache of dealing with cancer diagnosis. The Resolution now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
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Rahall: House Cites Alarming Cancer Rates
By Huntingtonnews.net Staff
Beckley, WV (HNN) – U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-WV, along with his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives, voted recently to pass a resolution citing high cancer rates and urging Americans to undergo regular screenings to diagnose cancer in its beginning stages by supporting designating an Early Detection Month for Breast Cancer and All Forms of Cancer (H.Con.Res. 158).
“Despite the promising number of cancer survivors today, due in large part to regular screenings, cancer rates remain alarmingly too high. Early cancer detection is still the most effective way to save lives,” said Rahall. “We must continue to put an emphasis on routine checkups for deadly diseases such as cancer, so they can be detected and treated quickly.”
While the search for a cancer cure continues, much progress has been made in the areas of prevention, detection and treatment of cancers. However, over 2 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed each year, and the statistics continue to alarm. Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers affecting women, and prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men. Only non-melanoma skin cancer remains more common for men and women overall. Currently, it is estimated that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
"Recently there has been debate regarding the early detection of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society supports the use of mammography and clinical breast self exams as the best way to detect breast cancer early in its most treatable stage,” explained Hersha Arnold Brown, State Government Relations Director for American Cancer Society Chapter, Huntington, W.Va.
The American Cancer Society also commended Congressman Rahall and the House of Representatives for supporting the American Cancer Society and its mission to save more lives through the early detection of all cancers including breast cancer.
In remarks Rahall included in the Congressional Record, he stated, “As a cancer survivor myself, I stand here as proof that early detection can save lives. Sadly, thousands of West Virginia women faced breast cancer diagnosis in 2009 alone. Yet each year, more women survive their battle with breast cancer due to medical advances in early detection and treatment.”
The steady decline in deaths resulting from breast cancer can be attributed to an increase in the number of women who receive mammograms and the development of powerful new drugs that successfully treat cancer. Medical researchers, including those at Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine in Huntington, West Virginia, have been working to improve those figures—but early detection remains an important key to saving lives, which contributed to Rahall’s strong support of this effort to designate an Early Detection Month to bring attention and focus to this critical issue.
“As many people are aware, in 2006 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and subsequently underwent surgery,” said Rahall. “I am very thankful for all of the West Virginians who contacted me to offer their prayers and support as I prepared for my procedures, through my recovery, and up to this day. I am also truly grateful to the doctors who were able to diagnose my cancer early and – with immediate treatment, they improved my chances for survival.”
Cancer screening is often quick and easy and many testing measures can be performed in a local doctor’s office. Many lives can be saved and thus, many families spared a tragic heartache of dealing with cancer diagnosis. The Resolution now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
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