Senator Charles E. Schumer
Periodically, we will publish articles by legislators who recognize the importance of preventing cancer as well as helping patients with the disease and who have sponsored and supported legislative efforts to improve cancer prevention and early detection. Senator Charles E. Schumer of New York is such a leader. In both 2004 and 2005 he secured significant funding for vital cancer research programs. In 2004, he ensured that research studying the link between cancer and Alzheimer's disease would move forward at the Cancer Prevention Institute in New York with a $6 million grant. In 2005, Senator Schumer advanced legislation that provided $1.5 million to the Center for Women's Cancer Genetics at Cold Spring Harbor to identify genetic differences between cancer cells and normal cells in breast and ovarian cancer to better our understanding of how to detect and attack the cancer; improving methods for diagnosing cancer in patients so treatments can be tailored to the unique chemical makeup of the individual's disease; and aiding in the discovery of new treatment approaches that can target cancer cells while leaving normal cells untouched. We thank Senator Schumer for his leadership and are delighted to introduce this new feature.
Senator Charles E. Schumer
United States Senator
New York
It is no surprise that cancer is the second leading cause of death of men, women and children. What many people don't know is that nearly one-half of cancer diagnoses in the United States are preventable. As important as it is to find a cure for cancer, we need to stop people from getting sick in the first place. I, like many other Americans, have a family history of cancer, and I make sure to stick close to my doctor’s guidelines for frequent cancer screenings. I also try to maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising and eating right-- though that goal is more of a work in progress.
Most Americans can reduce the possibility of cancer through simple lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, losing weight, adopting healthy eating habits, and exercising more. And we’re making progress little by little. Americans are smoking less today than they have in 60 years--an enormous step--though 170,000 cancer deaths a year are attributed to tobacco use alone. The number of Americans who die every year from cancers directly related to excess weight, poor eating habits, or lack of exercise is even higher at 188,000 deaths a year. And our eating and exercise habits are getting worse, not better. Making these changes is extremely difficult, but science tells us that by taking active steps to eat well and be physically active, we can decrease the risk of cancer. It is time to start listening and to start doing.
Though cancer is not preventable through just diet and exercise, there is a proven chance of success through treatment if it is found early enough. Cancer screening rates have increased over the past decade, but there remains room for improvement. Just 55% of American women over age 40 reported getting a mammogram during the last year instead of the 100% that is recommended, and fewer than half of Americans who are recommended to get colorectal screenings have followed through.
First as an Assemblyman, then a Congressman, and now a U.S. Senator, I have fought for years to increase access to cancer screening.I have co-sponsored legislation to increase mammography reimbursement and supported funding for screening programs for low-income and uninsured patients. But just making these tests available is not enough--patients must choose to use them. Most cancer screening guidelines recommend colonoscopies every 10 years for men over age 50. Doctors also recommend an annual PSA test for men over age 50 with average risk for prostate cancer, and as early as age 40 for men at high risk. Women should receive mammograms every year over age 40, and colonoscopies every 10 years after they turn 50. Together we can dramatically increase the number of Americans who visit their doctors for cancer screenings and in turn increase the success of cancer treatment through early detection.
With better lifestyle choices and increased attention to cancer screening guidelines, we can make real progress in reducing the number of cancer deaths in this country. Evidence of reduced tobacco use and increased cancer screenings points to the ability we have to lower the alarmingly high cancer rates and fatalities. I know that if we continue to work hard to teach Americans about how they can make their lives better and give them access to the care they need, our efforts will pay off. Decreasing cancer deaths by going on the offensive, instead of the defensive, is a goal that is within our reach.
