Calvert County Health Department

Local (410) 535-5400, DC Metro (301) 855-1353, Annapolis (410) 269-2216

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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. Colorectal cancer usually starts from polyps in the colon or rectum. A polyp is a growth that should not be there. Over time, some polyps can turn into cancer. Screening tests can find this cancer early by finding polyps and removing them before they turn into cancer. When colorectal cancer is caught early, 90% of people can be cured.

No Cost Screening Services:
Calvert County Health Department has grant funding available through the Cigarette Restitution Fund to provide colonoscopy screening at no cost to qualifying individuals. You may qualify if you are:

  • A Maryland Resident
  • Age 45 or older
  • If experiencing symptoms or have a family history
  • Younger than 45 if you have a family or personal history of colorectal cancer or a personal history of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
  • Uninsured or have insurance but it doesn’t fully cover the cost of screening
  • Meet income guidelines

For more information or to see if you qualify for no cost colon cancer screening, contact us by calling 410-535-5400, x343 or fill out this brief form to be contacted by a nurse:
Contact information form

What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer usually has no symptoms early on. 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
  • Lower abdominal pain
  • Unexplained weight loss

How can you reduce your risk?

  • All adults over age 45 should have a colon cancer screening generally with a colonoscopy
  • 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
  • Avoid all forms of tobacco

To have information mailed to you or to schedule a presentation, contact:
Telephone 410-535-5400 x343
Email:  mdh-dl-calchd-communityhealthcchd@maryland.gov

Related Links:

View these websites for more information about colorectal cancer.

www.preventcancer.org
Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

http://www.nci.nih.gov/cancertopics/types/colon-and-rectal
National Cancer Institute

www.cancer.org
American Cancer Society – select a cancer type

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