Calvert County Health Department
- Adult Evaluation Reviews (AERS)
- Breast and Cervical Cancer Program
- Developmental Disabilities Program
- Health Equity Program
- Health Insurance Programs
- Home and Community-Based Services
- Maternal and Child Health
- Medical Assistance Program
- Medical Assistance Transportation Program
- Reproductive Health
- Reproductive Health Clinic Schedule
- Child Safety Seats
- Colorectal Cancer Awareness & Screening
- Diabetes and Prediabetes
- E-Cigarettes and Vaping
- Heart Health
- Injury Prevention
- Oral Cancer Prevention
- Poison Prevention
- Responsible Tobacco Retailer Program
- Skin Cancer Awareness
- Tobacco Cessation Program
- Stroke Awareness
- Tobacco Cessation for Pregnant Women
- Tobacco Use Prevention
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