Calvert County Health Department
Colorectal Cancer Education and Screening Program
After lung cancer, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Calvert County has a higher colorectal cancer death rate than the national average.
Colorectal cancer is a cancer of the colon (large intestine) or the rectum. This type of cancer begins as a polyp, or a small growth of tissue, that can change over time into cancer. Screening tests can find this cancer early by finding polyps and removing them before they turn into cancer.
To have information mailed to you or to schedule a presentation, contact:
Tammy Halterman 410-535-5400 x348
Email: CommunityHealthCCHD@dhmh.state.md.us
Who is at most risk for colorectal cancer?
- Men and women over age 50
- People with a family history of this cancer
- Individuals who are overweight or have a personal history of certain types of polyps
What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer usually has no symptoms early on, when treatment is most successful. That is why screening tests are so important. However, if you have any of the following symptoms, see your doctor:
- Blood in the stool
- A change in bowel habits
- General stomach discomfort
- Frequent gas or pain in the lower stomach
- Weight loss
How can you reduce your risk?
- All adults over age 50 should have a colon cancer screening generally with a colonoscopy (link to fact sheet)
- Exercise. Brisk walking several times a week will cut your risk significantly.
- Eat a balanced diet that is low in fat and high in fiber and calcium. Aspirin or calcium may reduce risk, but check with your doctor before taking any regular pills or supplements.
No Cost Screening Services:
Calvert County Health Department has a limited amount of funding available to provide colonoscopy screening at no cost to qualifying individuals. You may qualify if you are:
- A Calvert County Resident
- Age 50 or older, or have a family or person history of colorectal cancer.
- If you have a personal history of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis you may qualify at a younger age.
- Uninsured or Under-insured.
- Able to meet income guidelines.
Call 410-535-5400 x355 to see if you are eligible.
Related Links:
View these websites for more information about colorectal cancer.
www.preventcancer.org
Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation
www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorctl/colorect.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.nci.nih.gov/cancer_information/cancer_type/colon_and_rectal
National Cancer Institute
www.cancer.org
American Cancer Society – select a cancer type
