A recent commentary about the multi-cancer early-detection test (MCED) highlighted significant efforts (House Resolution 1946/Senate Bill 1873) undertaken by our federal elected officials (“Cancer-screening legislation that could save lives introduced,” July 5).
The MCED test is a wondrous development to detect cancer-derived signals in DNA from a single tube of blood and allows individuals to use organ-specific screening tests, limiting high false-positive rates and potential overdiagnosis of nonlethal cancers. With these MCEDs, testing can overcome these limitations and meet the criteria of a safe and effective early cancer-detection test.
I’m someone who has experienced the devastation of cancer among many congregants, friends and family members when earlier detection would have made a significant difference in how their doctors and providers detected, and then treated, their cancer(s). These MCED tests give hope! We can bring that hope to those most in need — disabled citizens and seniors, economically and socially disadvantaged individuals and members of communities of color.
Delaware has the second-highest cancer rate in the country. With the use of MCED tests, our state’s cancer-mortality rates, well above the national average, can be greatly reduced. It is imperative that action is taken to move forward with MCED tests immediately.
The Rev. Robert Hall, OSL
President, Christian Coalition of Delmarva
Wilmington
