Md. Works To Help Cancer Patients
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A cancer diagnosis can be devastating and overwhelming, but now the state is stepping up its effort to help patients fight the disease.
Monique Griego has more on what the new plan means for you.
Michael Cash is staying positive through his battle with throat cancer, but says at first the diagnosis was overwhelming.
"Where to go, what to do, what kinds of chances do I have to survive?" Cash said.
In Maryland, one in four people will die of cancer, making it the leading cause of death. Those numbers prompted state health leaders to create a new cancer control plan, unveiled Tuesday at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins.
"This truly is a comprehensive vision of how to address cancer prevention, early screening and prevention, successful treatment," said Frances Phillips, Public Health Services.
The plan works as a guidebook for caregivers and helps simplify the process for patients.
"How to navigate the system, because people fall through the cracks," said Cash.
Tamika Felder, a cervical cancer survivor, helped develop the plan. She had one simple goal.
"I want to make sure that people who are uninsured or underinsured or people of color had the same access as everyone else," she said.
In 1986, Maryland had the third highest cancer mortality rate. In 2003, we dropped to the 21st. State health leaders say things will keep getting better if people improve their lifestyles.
The plan also has information on how you can help yourself by exercising and eating right, but kicking the habit was the most important prevention point.
"It's not just about cancer, it's about the overall health," Cash said.
Cash, who came to Hopkins from Virginia, says the plan proves Maryland is the right place for him to be.
The University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center also helped create the cancer plan.
If you'd like to find out how to access the new plan, click here.
