Cancer knows no boundaries and affects people of all ages, color, and ethnicities.  In each of our lives, the likelihood of someone we know being diagnosed with some form of cancer is great. This is why education, awareness and early detection are key to survival and winning the fight against this killer. In 2006 alone, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has estimated that there will be 15,220 new cases of cancer in Arkansas and more than 6,000 Arkansans will lose their personal battle with this deadly disease. 

There have been tremendous advancements in the detection and treatment of cancer, but awareness has proven to be the best defense.  The ACS estimates Americans now have a 65 percent chance of surviving cancer with early detection, but we can, and we must, make this number higher. Currently, 10.1 million Americans are living with cancer. This number might include your son or daughter, mother or father, aunt or uncle and maybe even you. We owe it to our neighbors, our kids and generations yet to come to remain steadfast and committed to finding a cure for this disease that takes lives before they are allowed to reach their full potential.

Recently, I signed the “Congressional Cancer Promise” pledging to make health care reform a priority in Congress by allowing expanded access to care and to help elevate early detection and awareness of cancer. Just this week, I was honored to participate in the “Celebration on the Hill,” a national gathering to promote cancer awareness, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Having the opportunity to view the Wall of Hope, hundreds of banners covered with signatures of those whose lives have been affected by cancer, shows us how many lives that can be positively affected through increased awareness.

Knowledge is the most powerful tool in the fight against cancer.  I hope that you will take a few moments and visit www.cancer.org to learn more about prevention, early detection, and local resources available to Arkansans. Join me in the fight against cancer, because together, through greater awareness, we can make a difference.