Colorectal Cancer Control Screening Program

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The Western Maryland Health System in partnership with the Allegany County Health Department Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CCCP) provides FREE colorectal cancer screening for Allegany County residents who meet eligibility requirements. The Colorectal Cancer Control Program is funded by the Allegany County Health Department through a grant from the Maryland Tobacco Settlement Funds. The program is administered through the Western Maryland Health Wellness Center at 915 Bishop Walsh Road Cumberland.

CCCP eligibility guidelines include Allegany County Resident, Age 50 or above, Uninsured/Underinsured, Meet income guidelines, Medicare and other insurances may qualify.

In addition to the screening services the program provides educational programs for the general public, businesses, community groups and through participation in community health fairs.

According to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the state. It is estimated that approximately 2,600 Maryland residents will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and over 1,000 will die from the disease.

Colorectal cancer is highly preventable and, if detected early, can be treated very effectively. The key to fighting colorectal cancer is to have a regular screening. Screening tests can detect colorectal polyps, which are small growths that may become cancer if not removed. Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early, when there may not be any symptoms and when treatment can be most effective.

The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age. Most cases (93%) occur in persons who are age 50 and older. More than one-third of all colorectal cancer deaths could be avoided if people over 50 had regular screening tests.

The Colorectal Cancer Control Screening Program offers free colorectal screenings as well as other indicated testing for colorectal cancer. For more information, call the WMHS Wellness Center at (301) 759-9355, extension 3010 or 1-800-224-8688. You may also contact the Allegany County Health Department at 301-759-5000 for more information about the program. For Colorectal Cancer information on-line the following web sites:

http://www.preventcancer.ort/colorectal/

http://www.mdpublichealth.org/cancer/html/colcan2.html

Colorectal Cancer- Common signs and symptoms include:

• A change in bowel habits
• Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
• Blood (either bright red or very dark) in the stool
• Stools that are narrower than usual
• General abdominal discomfort (frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, and/or cramps
• Weight loss with no known reason
• Constant tiredness
• Vomiting

Screening tests are often the only way to detect the disease in the early stages when there may not be any symptoms and when treatment can be most effective.