by Congressman Elijah E. Cummings

There is no more frightening word.  When our doctors talk to us about the threat of "cancer," it can be so terrifying that we are paralyzed.

It is not difficult to understand why so many of us are afraid to confront reality.  The health statistics are numbing.

This year, according to the American Cancer Society, more than 27,000 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in Maryland - 1,400,000 nationwide.  More than 500,000 Americans will die from cancer this year - and 10,000 of those lives will be lost right here in our state.

As a Member of the Congress, I am proud that Maryland's 7th Congressional District is home to two of the world's foremost cancer research facilities – Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland.  However, there can be no pride in the fact that Baltimore also suffers from one of the worst cancer mortality rates in the nation.

While understandable, paralysis in the face of mortal danger is not a survival trait.  If we are to survive, we must confront our fears and act decisively.

Americans can begin with this clear understanding:  it is within our power to defeat cancer in our lifetime.

In the Congress, we are working to provide more financial help for those who cannot afford the cost of life-saving cancer education, tests and treatment - and we also are determined to increase the federal funding available for cutting edge cancer research.

That is why I joined with Republican Congressman Dan Burton of Indiana last year to introduce and pass House Resolution 353, putting the House on record in support of a larger federal investment in the advanced imaging technologies that identify prostate cancer at the earlier, more treatable stages.

It also is why Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman of California and I (together with 10 other House colleagues) recently urged the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute to immediately increase federal investment in these life-saving technologies.

No one is completely immune from this deadly threat.  We can defeat cancer, but, as a nation, we must be driven by a heightened sense of urgency.

For example, I was honored to be an original co-sponsor of the "Early" Act of 2009 (H.R. 1740) introduced by Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, that will help to better inform younger women that they, too, must be on their guard against breast cancer.

I am confident that these important, supportive congressional actions will make a difference.  However, we all know that far too many of Americans are still being denied life-prolonging cancer tests and treatment by the high cost of healthcare.

Fortunately, for Baltimore area residents who are 45 or older, immediate help is at hand.
We should all commend the Baltimore City Cancer Plan of the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center for its foresight in offering free prostate and colorectal cancer screening for this higher-risk group.  As a result of this outreach program, cost is no longer a barrier to their survival.

All that is required to receive these free, potentially life-saving exams is to call the City Cancer Plan at (410) 955-0147 (or to just show up at the East Baltimore Medical Center and request the exams).

There is no reason to wait.  Each of us can begin on April 25 by taking someone we know to the Spring Health Fair that the City Cancer Center will be holding at its East Eager Street medical center, 1000 East Eager Street, from 10 am until 3 pm.
 
Encouraging those we know to take advantage of this public service is a moral imperative.  Cancer is not an "equal opportunity killer" in our community.

Of those who contract cancer, African Americans are among the people most likely to die.  Tragically, Baltimore City's mortality rates from cancer are 20-50 percent more deadly than they are in other areas of our state.

A significant factor in our greater mortality is that, all too often, we are diagnosed with cancer at an advanced stage of the disease when it is too late to save their lives.  Regular cancer screening exams are critical to our survival - and the free testing offered by the Baltimore City Cancer Plan is a major contribution to the health of our community.

Now, the rest of us must do our part.  The Baltimore City Cancer Plan's "Each 1-Reach 1" challenge should inspire each of us to bring someone whose age or family medical history qualifies them for the free cancer exams to 1000 East Eager Street.

Consider this.

During recent cancer screenings of 700 participants, the Cancer Plan identified five cases of active cancer that were treatable because the cancer was identified in the early stages.  People overcame their paralyzing fear and took action, and, as a result, lives were saved.

Now, each of us has the power to do the same.

"We've already established relationships with the obvious places - homeless shelters, transitional housing and soup kitchens," observes Ms. Charlene Ndi, the program manager for the Baltimore City Cancer Plan's screening team. "We still have to find the hidden homeless, the unemployed and the underemployed who are unable to get these services elsewhere."

She asks that our entire community help the Cancer Plan with their life-saving initiative - and so do I. 

Working together, we can overcome our paralyzing fear – and defeat cancer in our lifetime.

Congressman Elijah E. Cummings represents Maryland's Seventh Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives.

- The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings represents the 7th Congressional District of Maryland in the United States House of Representatives.