Congressman Cummings will be joined by members of the health field and representatives from Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health and its Oncology Center, the National Cancer Institute, the University of Maryland, CURE, and the Maryland State Council on Cancer Control. An in-depth discussion will take place on the types of cancers that most afflict residents of Maryland, the reasons why and preventative measures that can be taken to decrease our chances of developing cancer.
Cancer is only second to heart disease as a leading cause of death in America.
Since 1990, approximately 5 million Americans have died from cancer or cancer-related illnesses. Statistics show that African-Americans are about 30 percent more likely to die from cancer than their white counterparts. This alarming rate is attributed to the differences in our cultural values and belief systems. Lack of health insurance or transportation also factor in to late diagnoses and poor survival rates. All cancers caused by cigarette smoking and heavy use of alcohol could be prevented entirely.