This is the first year the National Prostate Cancer Coalition (NPCC) has issued state-by-state report cards evaluating each state's health care efforts to reduce prostate cancer deaths. The NPCC, celebrating its 10th year in operation, aims to educate every American about the risk of prostate cancer, the importance of early detection and the research funding needed to beat the disease. The good news is that many states are making significant strides in expanding awareness about prostate cancer, reducing deaths, increasing screening and making laws to ensure the screening is covered by health insurance.
Connecticut led the pack with a perfect score of 100, while Kansas, California and New York all received As. Unfortunately, five states received failing grades: Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi and Wisconsin. One of the biggest problems with prostate cancer screening is the low number of states not mandating insurance coverage for these simple tests. Only 28 states currently have insurance mandates for prostate cancer screening, while 49 states have mandates for breast cancer screening coverage. Not allowing coverage for prostate cancer screening is completely irresponsible and makes no sense. Early detection of prostate cancer is essential and significantly reduces death rates from this disease.
Besides screening tests, there are measures every man can take to lower the risk of developing prostate cancer. The NPCC states, "growing evidence says changing your diet and behavior could lower your risk. Studies show a strong connection between consumption of saturated fat and red meat and increased rates of prostate cancer diagnosis and mortality. A number of food nutrients appear to reduce likelihood of getting cancer, including vitamin E, selenium, soy, green tea, and tomatoes. Large studies are underway to confirm these findings, and more cancer fighting nutrients are being discovered and studied all the time."
To find out how your state scored, check out the NPCC website at www.fightprostatecancer.org.
Connecticut Scores 100% on Prostate Cancer Report Card
Posted by Dr. Jennifer Stagg on September 17, 2006 07:34 PM
