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WORD ON WASHINGTON
“Beating Cancer”
November 2011 |
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Most every family has been touched by cancer. Just hearing the word “cancer” from your doctor can seem like a devastating diagnosis. There is good news though. Screenings and early detection save lives, treatments are more advanced than ever, and remarkable research is happening every day in the fight against cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, and we are making significant progress in detection that is indeed saving many lives. Since Breast Cancer Awareness Month was created in 1985, the rate of mammograms has more than doubled for women aged 50 and older, and breast cancer deaths are on the decline. The program has grown into a partnership that vigorously promotes education as a tool to empower women to practice regular self exams, get mammograms as recommended, and talk with their doctors about best practices for early detection and treatment.
In Congress, I am also working for breast cancer patients to help them overcome some of the obstacles they may face. It was an important milestone when Congress passed the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) in 1998, and it provided for protections for those who elect to have reconstructive surgery in connection with a mastectomy. Under WHCRA, health insurers provide coverage for breast surgery and reconstruction for those who undergo medically-necessary breast mastectomies and for the treatment of complications, such as lymphedema. While this was critical for women’s health, Medicare does not reimburse for such coverage, and that is why I am a co-sponsor of HR 2233, the Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act, which would provide similar coverage under Medicare. It is the right thing to do.
Prostate cancer now tops the list in new cases of all cancers expected in the United States – more than 240,000 for 2011 alone. I have co-sponsored the PROSTATE Act – the Prostate Research, Outreach, Screening, Testing, Access, and Treatment Effectiveness Act. It would help to identify best practices in education and outreach, particularly with respect to underserved populations and men with a family history of prostate cancer.
I also support the American Cancer Society’s common-sense recommendation that men make informed decisions with their doctors about whether to be tested for prostate cancer. There are both benefits and risks of testing and treatment, and that is why I was disturbed by the recent proposal from the US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF). An independent panel supported by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Task Force has now recommended against using the PSA test to screen for prostate cancer in healthy men of any age.
The USPSTF recommendations can have far-reaching implications on health care, and I have serious concerns that this revised position could discourage needed screenings. Prostate cancer can become aggressive and difficult to treat if it goes undetected, so I have contacted the Secretary of HHS with my concerns about the importance of early detection and how this recommendation might adversely impact best practices in prevention. The recommendation may send the wrong message to men, particularly to African-American men, who tend to be at greater risk, or those with a father or brother who had prostate cancer before age 65. All men should have the opportunity to discuss their risk factors with their doctors so that they can determine the best course of action for prevention and detection.
As a member of the House Cancer Caucus, I have long been a staunch advocate for bringing cancer awareness to the forefront and investing in cancer research. North Carolina is home to three of the nation’s 40 Comprehensive Cancer Centers. Duke Cancer Institute, UNC’s Lineberger Center, and Wake Forest’s Baptist Medical Center are award-winning institutions leading the way in prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
And there are many other types of cancer we are fighting in legislative action as well – beyond those already mentioned. There are life-style choices that we can each make to adopt better habits and reduce the risk of cancer. Let’s beat cancer! No matter how busy you are, make the time for annual check-ups. Encourage family members and friends to be active participants in the management of their health care and well-being. Your family will thank you. May God bless you and your family this Thanksgiving season!
U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre
Representing the 7th District of North Carolina
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Lumberton, NC
500 North Cedar Street
Lumberton, NC 28358
(910) 735-0610
fax (910) 739-5085
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301 Green Street, Room 315
Fayetteville, NC 28301
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Wilmington, NC 28401
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Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-2731
fax (202) 225-5773
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