Tobacco settlement fund is fighting cancer in Maryland

By Dr. Martin D. Abeloff, M.D.
Baltimore Times
Feb. 15, 2002

The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins

Cancer is the unwanted silent partner affecting the health of people in Maryland. This state's high rate of cancer - the leading cause of death and disability here - haunts all of us, young and old.

Our state has one of the worst cancer rankings in the nation and Baltimore is near the top of this grim mortality chart among cities. More than 10,000 Marylanders die each year of cancer. It is the leading cause of death for African-American men over 30.

That's why it was so encouraging when Gov. Parris N. Glendening provided the leadership and vision in 1999 to direct money from Maryland's settlement with tobacco companies to problems caused by cigarette smoking. The Maryland General Assembly's equally encouraging support for this ambitious initiative created the Cigarette Restitution Fund Program to benefit all Maryland citizens. The governor's new budget seeks $34.7 million for cancer research, screening and treatment programs.

We are in the infancy of this ten-year project, but it is not too soon to ask the relevant question: How are we doing? Are these millions of state dollars being spent in a way that can make a dent in Maryland's cancer rates? Are we working to detect cancers earlier so people will be able to live longer?

Many states opted to divert tobacco-settlement funds to politically popular causes, like tax cuts, or to close budget deficits or to build sewer and water projects. Led by the governor and the General Assembly, Maryland took a visionary course - dedicating part of this money to forge the partnership between basic and clinical scientists and public health officials to bring our best minds to bear on wiping out cancer.

The $1 billion to be spent on this decade-long, anti-smoking crusade includes funds earmarked for research and community outreach efforts led by the University of Maryland Medical Group and the Johns Hopkins Institutions. The targets of our joint effort: Maryland's "Big 7" - breast cancer; cervical cancer; colon cancer; lung cancer; oral cancer; prostate cancer; and skin cancer.

This is the crown jewel of the governor's package and Maryland has become a national model for its initiative to lower cancer rates by simultaneously advancing scientific research, clinical practice and public health.

So far, the indications are highly encouraging. Cancer physicians and researchers at Baltimore's two research-intensive academic medical centers have formed a true partnership.
In November, we jointly kicked off a citywide cancer-screening program to reach low-income, underserved neighborhoods. Early detection, education and prompt treatment are keys to diminishing cancer deaths.

In Baltimore City, Hopkins is initially focusing mainly on prostate cancer screenings, while University of Maryland is concentrating on breast, cervical and oral cancer screening. Those diagnosed with cancer will receive treatment through this program.

Working with inner-city clergy and community organizations, Hopkins medical outreach teams - which include a nurse, urologist and a phlebotomist - have set a goal of giving physical exams and blood-screening tests to 2,500 African-American men in poor neighborhoods where prostate cancer is a common killer.

In Baltimore City, Hopkins is initially focusing mainly on prostate cancer screening, while University of Maryland is concentrating on breast, cervical and oral cancer screening. Those diagnosed with cancer will receive treatment through this program.

Working with inner-city clergy and community organizations, Hopkins medical outreach teams - which include a nurse, urologist and a phlebotomist - have set a goal of giving physical exams and blood-screening tests to 2,500 African-American men in poor neighborhoods where prostate cancer is a common killer.

Too often people in these neglected communities, wait too long before seeking medical help. Early-stage detection of cancers and pre-cancerous growths could make a dramatic difference.

Meanwhile, Cigarette Restitution Fund research grants have been aimed at studying cancer factors that ravage city neighborhoods. New genetic or environmental causes of cancer; promising anti-cancer drugs; and vaccines and biological screening targets for early detection are under the microscope.

In concert with our University of Maryland colleagues, we will be able to combine our complementary talents, accelerate clinical studies and share expensive medical equipment, technologies and areas of expertise. The beneficiaries of this research will be minority and high-risk groups, especially in Maryland's high cancer areas.

Fighting cancer is expensive and requires long-term commitment. It is a complex undertaking with no quick fix. We have been given an enormous boost by the governor's and General Assembly's commitment that has enabled the state's major academic medical centers to work collaboratively to translate success in our research labs into success stories for Maryland citizens with this life-threatening disease.

Dr. Martin D. Abeloff is director of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins.

(Reprinted with permission of the Baltimore Times)