Cancer Programs

The Allegany County Health Department provides no-cost cancer screening to those who meet program eligibility guidelines for the following cancers:

• Breast Cancer (includes a clinical breast exam with a medical provider and a mammogram at a local radiology facility)
• Cervical Cancer (includes a Pap test/HPV test with a primary care provider or gynecologist)
• Colorectal Cancer (includes an office visit with a gastroenterologist and a colonoscopy at a local hospital or surgical center)
• Lung Cancer (includes an office visit with a primary care provider and a low-dose lung CT scan at a local hospital or radiology facility)
• Skin Cancer (includes an office visit for a full-body skin check with a dermatologist)
  
  

The Allegany County Health Department Cancer Program is funded by grant money through the Maryland Cigarette Restitution Fund Program, as well as through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Our program provides the following:

• An education session with a registered nurse to learn about cancer screenings, risk factors, prevention, and early detection
• Transportation to and from appointments, if needed
• Education regarding test results and when the next screening is recommended

How do I know if I qualify?

• You must live in Maryland
• You must meet financial guidelines established by the Maryland Department of Health
• You must fall within the age recommendations for the cancer screening:
  • Breast Cancer Screening: begins at age 40 (our program can assist women age 30-39 who are having symptoms of breast cancer)
  • Cervical Cancer Screening: begins at age 21
  • Colorectal Cancer Screening: begins at age 45 (our program can assist those younger than 45 who have a family history of colorectal cancer or are having symptoms of colorectal cancer)
  • Lung Cancer Screening: begins at age 50 if you have at least a 20-pack-per-year smoking history
  • Skin Cancer Screening: begins at age 19 (our program can assist those who have a family history of melanoma skin cancer, or if you have a skin lesion suspected to possibly be skin cancer)

The Cancer Screening Program accepts persons who do not have health insurance and will cover bills related to the cancer screening if you meet all other eligibility requirements. We also accept clients who have health insurance, since some insurances may not pay for the total cost of the screening.

How can I reduce my risk of getting cancer?
There are some risk factors you cannot change, such as your family history, your age, and your race, but there are some risk factors that you can change.

To lower your risk of getting cancer:

• Eat a diet high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Be physically active at least 30 minutes per day
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Stop using tobacco products

If you are ready to take that first step in preventing cancer or finding it early when it is treatable, call us at 301-759-5083. You may also click on the link below and fill in the requested information to have a staff member contact you regarding scheduling a cancer screening. It could save your life!

Interested in Enrolling in a Cancer Screening Program? Click here!

Other Cancer Related Programs:
The ACHD Cancer Program staff may be able to assist you if you have recently been diagnosed with cancer. the State of Maryland has programs specifically for recently diagnosed cancer patients and may be able to provide financial assistance to pay for medical bills. Please call us at 301-759-5083 to see if we can help.

Additional Resources:
Maryland Cancer Fund
Maryland Breast and Cervical Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment (BCCDT) Program