On March 20, 1998, I co-sponsored a cancer symposium with the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health. The seminar entitled, "Cancer in Maryland: Partnering for Solutions," focused on cancer patterns affecting Baltimore residents and the factors that are causing Baltimore's cancer rate to rapidly rise. The medical specialists, researchers and scholars pointed to numerous reasons as to why Maryland ranks 5th in the nation in cancer mortality. They ranged from biological agents, to abusive behaviors, to plain ignorance of the facts. However, no matter what the circumstances, the fact is, an alarming number of Americans have died and will continue to die from a cancer that invades both body and soul.

Since 1990, approximately 5 million Americans have died from cancer or cancer-related illnesses, and the projected future figures are bleak. Studies conducted by the American Cancer Society show that in 1998, 1,228,600 cancers are expected to be diagnosed in the United States. Of that number, 564,800 Americans -- more than 1,500 people per day -- are expected to die of the disease this year. In fact, men in this country have a 1 in 2 lifetime risk of developing cancer, while women have a 1 in 3 chance.

In Maryland, more than 10,000 residents died from cancer last year, and many of those were African American. The problems are greatest in Baltimore City and on the Eastern Shore due in part to the concentration of industrial activity involving carcinogens. African Americans in these regions continue to carry the burden with respect to cancer despite the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's "Closing the Gap" program, which is aimed at reducing Maryland's cancer rate.

Cancers such as, lung, prostate, colon and rectum and breast have screening tests available, yet African American men are 30 percent more likely to die from prostate cancer than white men. Additionally, African American women are 30 percent more likely to die from breast and cervical cancer than white women.

Widespread use and abuse of tobacco and alcohol also afflict large segments of the African American community and can lead to lung, liver and pancreas cancers. About 3,000 deaths occurred in Maryland last year from the use of tobacco and alcohol. Cancers caused by cigarette smoking and heavy alcohol consumption could be prevented entirely, yet 194,000 people are expected to die this year from cancers related to these abusive and compulsive behaviors.

In 1997, Congress provided $137.5 million for breast cancer research and $45 million for prostate cancer research. In 1998, Congress will provide $135 million for breast cancer research, $25 million for breast cancer screening, and $40 million for prostate cancer research.

However, we must do more to combat the ever-rising mortality statistics in the African American community as well as nationwide. In fact, Reverend Melvin Tuggle, pastor of Baltimore's Garden Baptist Church, has been doing all he can to help his parishioners embark upon the path to healthier lives. Reverend Tuggle conducts a church-based program entitled, "One Day at a Time." This program uses Scripture to support those who wish to stop smoking. The program was so successful that the American Lung Association adopted it as a model for its smoking cessation project.

It is also important to note that during June 4-6, 1998, the University of Maryland's Mobile Breast Care Center will be available to women in Baltimore. For more information, contact the University of Maryland's School of Medicine at 410-706-3100.