New Report Has Praise, Criticism For States In Fight Against Cancer
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A new report has praise and some criticism for how Pennsylvania stacks up in the fight against cancer. In Pennsylvania alone, more than 28,000 people will die of cancer this year. The American Cancer Society says ten specific laws could cut those cancer rates, but not every state has them all.
Melanie Caruso, 31, has cancer in her family, including breast cancer on both paternal and maternal sides. When she found a lump, she was quick to get it checked.
"And it came back negative, thank God, and I just go every two years for follow-up," Caruso said.
Thursday, the American Cancer Society applauded Pennsylvania's efforts to fund breast and cervical cancer screenings in its new report on how state legislatures are fighting cancer.
The report praised Pennsylvania's recent $1 increase in the cigarette tax, the Medicaid expansion, and a law that requires equal insurance coverage of oral and intravenous chemotherapy.
Dr. David Targan, an internist at Lankanau Medical Center, says he sees progress.
"Pennsylvania is making good attempts at stopping cancer for offering lots of opportunities," Dr. Targan said.
But the report gave Pennsylvania low marks on regulating palliative care for cancer patients, funding tobacco control, and regulating tanning beds.
The report said Delaware falls short on regulating palliative care, and New Jersey falls short on tobacco cessation services and indoor tanning regulations.
Dr. Targen said regardless, "all patients need to be proactive in their own health. Colonoscopies, mammograms, immunizations. All these things, depending on your age, are important."
You can see the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network report, "How Do You Measure Up?" here. Contact Main Line Health Cancer Treatment Services for more information.
