Dover – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) announced progress in the battle against cancer in the first state. The DHSS Cancer Incidence and Mortality report for the years 2005-2009 is the most comprehensive cancer data report in the state.  And, the most recent data demonstrate that Delaware continues to make progress in fighting cancer, particularly cancer mortality.

In the 1990s, Delaware had the second highest cancer mortality in the country. Under the leadership of the Delaware Cancer Consortium and numerous health partners, that number has dropped significantly since then. In last year’s report (from years 2003-2007), Delaware was ranked 12 and now the state ranking has fallen further to 14.

“Delaware is making progress by focusing on a three-pronged strategy: prevention, screening and treatment,” said Governor Jack Markell. “But the fight is far from over. We cannot be satisfied until we end cancer altogether.”

DHSS Secretary Rita Landgraf praised the coordinated work of the Delaware Cancer Consortium, the Delaware Health Fund Advisory Committee, the Governor’s Council on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and others in informing and educating Delawareans on preventing disease by making better lifestyle choices.

“A main message today is the importance of prevention and to remind people there are things they can do to reduce their cancer risk,” said DHSS Cabinet Secretary Rita Landgraf. “One of the simplest changes anyone can make is quitting smoking. Lung cancer is responsible for an astonishing 30 percent of Delaware’s cancer deaths and this simple step could save your life.”

Dr. Karyl Rattay, Director of the Division of Public Health, highlighted the importance of reducing additional behavior risk factors: obesity, poor diet, inactivity, alcohol abuse, and exposure to UV light—all which can increase cancer risk.

“The cancer data are encouraging, but if we want to reduce the overall incidence of all cancers and further lower mortality, we all must focus on the things we can control, our lifestyle,” said Dr. Rattay. “An easy to remember healthy lifestyle slogan is ‘5-2-1 Almost None’: five or more fruits or vegetables daily, no more than two hours of recreational screen time, one hour of total physical activity a day and almost no sugary beverages. Research shows lifestyle improvements matter.”

Delaware made progress in incidence or mortality in several areas:

• INCIDENCE RATES – Important incidence declines were seen for several cancers: including ovary, larynx, colon, cervix, esophagus, stomach and Hodgkin lymphoma —all of which experienced a larger drop than the nation.
• COLORECTAL CANCER – For the first time, colorectal cancer incidence was significantly lower among African Americans in Delaware than nationally; for both sexes combined; and for females. In the 10-year period, Delaware’s colorectal cancer mortality rate decreased 28.9 percent, compared to 22.7 percent nationally. This improvement in mortality is attributable to greater awareness of the necessity of colorectal screenings, and the provision of them through the Screening for Life program.
• RACIAL DISPARITY CLOSED IN SCREENINGS: Delaware became the first state in the country to end a racial disparity for colorectal screening. In 2010, a higher percentage of African-American Delawareans were screened (74.9 percent) than whites (74 percent). Delaware’s colorectal incidence rate declined 22.6 percent, while the U.S. rate declined 16.6 percent. In Delaware, the greatest improvement in incidence was made among African-American females (30.4 percent decline).
• FEMALE BREAST CANCER – Thanks to the improvement in the early detection of breast cancer, the decline in the breast cancer death rate for all Delaware women (29 percent) was over 50 percent greater than the decline nationally (19 percent) over the 10-year period. Delaware women ranked second (tied with two other states) nationally in the prevalence of women 40 and older who have had a mammogram within the past two years (81.4 percent). Between the two periods, there was a 9 percent decrease in breast cancer incidence among white females.
• MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS IN MORTALITY– Nine cancer types have shown considerable improvements in mortality (over the past 10 rolling five-year time periods):

o cervix (54.3 percent decline),

o prostate (35.0 percent),

o colon and rectum (29.0 percent),

o female breast (29.0 percent),

o stomach (25.5 percent),

o oral cavity and pharynx (25.2 percent),

o esophagus (23.7 percent)

o larynx (22.0 percent), and

o Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (22.2 percent).

But challenges remain:

• INCIDENCE RATES – Compared to 10 years earlier, Delaware’s 2005-2009 overall cancer incidence rates were the same as 1995-1999. In 2005-2009, Delaware’s incidence rates for cancers of the colon, lung, prostate, thyroid, bladder, uterus and skin (malignant melanoma) were significantly higher than the U.S. rate. The cancers with dramatic incidence rate increases in Delaware and nationally during the 10-year period are: liver, thyroid, kidney and skin (malignant melanoma).
• LUNG CANCER – Lung cancer continues to play an enormous role in Delaware’s overall cancer burden. In 2005-2009, lung cancer accounted for 15.2 percent of all newly diagnosed cancer cases and 30.3 percent of all cancer deaths in Delaware.
• FEMALE BREAST CANCER – Breast cancer incidence among African-American women increased 4.6 percent. African-American women did have a significantly lower death rate then the U.S. (22.6 per 100,000 compared 31.6 per 100,000 nationwide).
• PROSTATE CANCER – Most likely because of a greater prevalence of prostate cancer screening in Delaware compared with the rest of the country, Delaware’s incidence rate increased 5 percent over the past 10 years, compared with a 10.7 percent decrease nationally. The burden disproportionately affects African-American men in Delaware and the nation. Delaware’s 2005-2009 incidence rates were 80 percent higher for African Americans than for whites.

By law, the Delaware Division of Public Health analyzes cancer rates by census tracts. Of Delaware’s 214 census tracts, the overall cancer incidence rates were not significantly different from the state’s average rate in 189 tracts. The overall cancer incidence rate was statistically significantly higher than Delaware’s average 2005-2009 incidence rate in nine census tracts; and in 16 census tracts, it was significantly lower. The rates between census tracts may differ for a variety of reasons including a clustering of lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, unhealthy eating and lack of physical activity; environmental or occupational exposure to chemicals or a lack of such exposure; access to health care, including screenings; and chance or random variation. And, also calculation can be impacted by the inherent instability of rates due to small numbers of cancer cases and small populations in certain census tracts.

The 2005-2009 cancer data report is posted on DPH’s website at this address: http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/cancer.html. DPH will arrange presentations about cancer rates, risks and prevention methods for community groups who call 302-744-1040.

For information on quitting smoking, call toll-free:1-866-409-1858. To learn if you qualify for free cancer screenings or treatment, call the Delaware Helpline 2-1-1.

*Data are presented as five-year rolling averages to reduce the impact that short-term fluctuations may have due to the small size of Delaware’s population.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

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REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. –  Governor Jack Markell, Delaware’s Congressional Delegation of U.S. Sens. Carper and Coons and Representative John Carney (all D-Del.) and Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Collin O’Mara announced that as much as $30 million in federal funding has been secured to rebuild Delaware beaches to protect homes, businesses and roads against future storm damage. Major storms like Superstorm Sandy proved the importance and resiliency of a strong beach and dune system in protecting lives, property and infrastructure along the Delaware coastline.

“Because we are a low-lying state, extreme storms pose a real threat to us,” said Governor Markell. “Citizens, businesses and infrastructure are affected when an area floods.  My thanks goes to our Congressional delegation for securing the funding that’s allowing us to restore damaged beaches and dunes and shore up our vulnerable areas so we can mitigate the potential impact of future storms.”

The Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) received funding through the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013 to restore Delaware beaches to pre-Superstorm Sandy conditions. Almost two million cubic yards of sand will be pumped back onto Delaware beaches. The ACOE also received the necessary funding through Flood Control & Coastal Emergencies (FCCE) to restore Delaware beaches to their design templates, which means the beach just north of the Indian River Inlet will be restored with a full beach and dune that can be maintained by the sand bypass system.

“Yesterday was the six-month anniversary of Superstorm Sandy and while Delaware did not have the severe damage that our neighbors to the north experienced, Delaware did see widespread flooding that caused damage to many of our homes and businesses,” Senator Carper said. “Roads and bridges were damaged or washed out, hurting commerce and transportation and cutting off access to hospitals, schools and work. I am so pleased that we are not only going to repair our beaches, but that the Corps is going to construct a truly protective beach and dune. It’s a smart investment to reduce potential losses and protect lives, homes, businesses and infrastructure.”

“As Delawareans, beaches are at the heart of our communities,” Senator Coons said. “Storms and rising sea levels can cause severe erosion, and we have to remain vigilant in order to ensure we have the best possible protections in place. As we saw when Superstorm Sandy hit in October, sound management and flood protection measures on our beaches prevented devastating damage, and now we have to be ready before the next storm hits. Today marks an important step in our storm recovery, and reiterates our commitment to maintaining vibrant, healthy beach communities along our coastline.”

“As we mark six months since Superstorm Sandy, we are reminded that even though Delaware was spared the widespread damage that occurred in neighboring states, it is important to keep investments in place that will protect our homes, businesses, and infrastructure from serious damage in the future,” said Congressman Carney.  “This funding also supports beach tourism, which contributes greatly to Delaware’s economy and supports thousands of jobs.  With Memorial Day fast approaching, I’m looking forward to another successful year at Delaware’s beaches.”

While repairing and strengthening our beaches is vital to maintaining and growing Delaware’s $6.9 billion a year coastal economy, Delaware’s Congressional Delegation and Governor Markell have been working to ensure that federal dollars are used to mitigate damage from future storms.

“Delaware is one of the most proactive states in the nation in completing ocean beach nourishment projects,” said Sec. O’Mara. “Our successful projects have demonstrated that advanced preparation pays off.  These beach nourishment projects will bring Delaware’s ocean coastline back to the level of protection from floods and storms we had prior to Superstorm Sandy.”

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Viola bill would allow eligible Delawareans to register to vote on Election Day

DOVER – Lawmakers and the Markell Administration unveiled proposals Tuesday designed to increase voter turnout and encourage more Delawareans to register to vote.

House Majority Whip Rep. John Viola introduced legislation that would make Delaware the 12^th state to allow Election Day registration, which permits eligible residents to register to vote and cast their ballots on the same day. Same-day registration is credited with significantly increasing voter turnout. States that allow same-day registration have a voter turnout that is on average 10 percent higher than states that do not.

“Our goal as a society should be to encourage more people to be part of the electoral process, not less,” said Rep. Viola, D-Newark. “Right now, we have an arbitrary deadline to register to vote of three weeks before an election. Let’s face it: Some people, often young people or those who just moved, don’t think to register to vote until it’s right before the election, and by then it’s too late. Election Day registration has been around for decades and is proven to safely and effectively increase voter turnout, so it’s time for Delaware to take this step forward.”

Under House Bill 105, a person would be able to register to vote at his or her polling place on the day of a presidential or state primary or general or special election by showing a valid government-issued photo identification card, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or other government document displaying the name and address of the person registering to vote. Those are the same criteria required for a person registering to vote under current Delaware law.

Rep. Viola said several states that already have same-day registration use different safeguards to ensure voter integrity, such as using non-forwardable mailings to purge the registration list or requiring Election-Day registrants to swear an affidavit that they are not registered to vote. State Elections Commissioner Elaine Manlove said the Department of Elections already uses both methods and would implement both processes for same-day registrants.

Unlike mail-in registration, Rep. Viola noted that this bill would require voters to swear to their identity in person. A person who falsely registers to vote could face a fine of up to $200 and a prison sentence between 30 days and two years.

Governor Jack Markell declared his support for the Election Day registration bill Tuesday and unveiled a complementary package of administration initiatives to encourage citizen participation in Delaware elections. Gov. Markell announced that Delaware will make it possible for citizens to register to vote online and will expand its successful eSignature electronic voter registration system.

“The right to vote is fundamental,” Gov. Markell said. “Delawareans deserve a modern, accessible, and efficient voter registration system. In today’s world of online shopping and one-stop shopping, online and same-day registration just makes sense.”

Today, Delaware voters can fill out a voter registration form online, but they must print and submit the form by mail or deliver it to an elections office by hand. Delaware’s new online registration system will enable citizens to complete the registration process online.

Delaware’s eSignature system is currently in use at Division of Motor Vehicle (DMV) offices up and down the state, where it enables citizens to register to vote or update their registration information at the same time that they obtain or update their driver¹s licenses. Expanded eSignature will make it possible for citizens to register to vote or update their registration information when they access services of the Department of Health and Social Services or the Department of Labor through those agencies’ websites.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, same-day registration has existed in Maine, Minnesota and Wisconsin since the mid-1970s. Since then, eight other states and the District of Columbia have adopted same-day registration, and more than a dozen other states are contemplating similar laws.

HB 105 has been assigned to the House Administration Committee.

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Ramona Maziarz, a Delaware Individual Artist Fellow in Work on Paper, will present an exhibition titled Fine Lines, in the Delaware Division of the Arts Mezzanine Gallery from May 3-31, 2013. The Gallery, open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., is located in the Carvel State Office Building, 820 N. French Street, Wilmington. There will be a reception to meet the artist on Friday, May 3 from 5-8 p.m. as part of Wilmington’s Art Loop.

This solo exhibition of Ramona Maziarz’s work will showcase a series of detailed pen and ink drawings. Maziarz’s drawings depict scenes of nature, which she likes to observe and ink. The artist explores nature by going on routine walks; along the way gathering different subject matter that resonate with her. Maziarz frequently visits Delaware State Parks for inspiration. She often uses leaves and twigs and other materials many people tend to overlook. The resulting drawings create a layered space full of color and beauty.

Maziarz, a resident of Middletown, has exhibited her work locally and regionally. To read an article about this artist, visit the Division’s Individual Artist Fellowship web publication.

Our newsletter is all about you, the Consumer. In the Spring 2013 issue, the Delaware Department of Insurance has information for everyone, from the youngest in the state to older Delawareans. Our Department will be at fairs, community meetings and other events in the upcoming months and we hope to see you as we travel the state and offer our services to the community.

Also, June is National Safety Month and we would like to share safety measures that can be performed in your homes and at your places of work.

In the “Ask the Commissioner” section, we share some emergency preparedness tips as hurricane season is quickly approaching.

We hope you enjoy our newsletter and find the articles to be helpful. The Department of Insurance is here to serve you because, “The Consumer Comes First!”

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