Stop a Killer: The Battle Against Cancer
As printed in the Katy Times
(Washington D.C.)- It is a sad reality: just about everyone’s life has been impacted by cancer. Some are survivors, some watched the disease end the life of a loved one and some are future victim. The harsh fact is this: According to the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Cancer is the number one killer of people under the age of 85.
Since my first day in Congress, beating back this disease has been a major priority for me and my staff. Currently, we are gathering support for the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2007 which will devote new money to helping find a cure for cancer. I am hopeful the House will allow this legislation to come up for a vote before the end of the year. While we work in Washington, D.C. to get the money to battle cancer, organizations are taking steps right here in Texas to make major medical advances against this disease. You have the power to help this cause.
On Tuesday, November 6 the State of Texas will ask you if you want to support Proposition 15. This is a constitutional amendment which would create the single largest state-level investment in cancer research, prevention, early detection and control programs in the nation. If voters approve this initiative the Lone Star State will build the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. According to the Lance Armstrong Foundation, this advancement in cancer research will be responsible for distributing $300 million in grants to cancer prevention and research programs throughout the state each year — starting in 2010 and continuing through 2019. By supporting this issue you will be helping save the lives of those with cancer, supporting their families, increasing economic growth, creating new jobs and helping Texas build among the most advanced cancer research facilities and laboratories in the world.
That’s how you can help from a government standpoint. But you can also take some simple steps to reduce your own risk of getting this disease.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month and offers us an opportunity to assess our risks, genetic history and do what we can to prevent new cases of all forms of the disease. It is during this month that we are also reminded about the ways we can help those already impacted by this killer.
Everyday we are learning of new ways to prevent cancer. According to doctors, among the very basic and well known ways to stop cancer is to not smoke, stay away for second hand smoke and stop smoking if you already do smoke According to the American Cancer Society, smoking contributes to at least three in ten cancer deaths a year totaling more than 165,000 deaths a year. Doctors say we can also take steps to avoid a battle with cancer by simply taking a walk. According to the American Cancer Society, inactivity and obesity are also linked to cancer. Doctors tell us a half hour of exercise a day will reduce yours odds of getting the disease. Along those same lines, eating the right foods will cut your chances of getting cancer. Eat more fruit, less red meat and fewer deep fried foods. Also, drinking less alcohol will help reduce your chances of getting cancer. Of course as it relates to skin cancer, you should try and always wear sunscreen if you will be outside for any length of time.
Cancer kills. That is the harsh and sad reality. I hope you will take some of the ideas in this piece and start working to stop cancer.