Results Statement: Illness, disability, and death caused by cancer will be reduced in the Carroll County community.
It seems that everyone knows someone who is personally affected by one of the multitude of cancer diseases. The physical, emotional, and financial burden of cancer accompanies the demanding treatment regimens and long-term health care routines necessary to monitor responses. According to the most recent statistics from the Maryland Cancer Registry, the community of Carroll County has a higher rate of overall cancer incidence, but a lower cancer mortality rate, than Maryland as a whole.
The Partnership regularly interacts and teams with other agencies in the county to raise awareness and spread the message of cancer prevention. Through partnerships with the American Cancer Society and The Carroll County Health Department, as well as Carroll Hospital Center and the Carroll Regional Cancer Center, The Partnership is able to advance efforts to conquer this disease in our community.
Partnership Staff Contact:
Meghan Tew
410-871-7648
MTew@CarrollHospitalCenter.org
Sun Safety Action Team
This Action Team has worked since 2008 to promote sun safety and the importance of using sun protection measures through the annual “Safer in the Shade” initiative. This program is designed to reduce the occurrence of melanoma and other skin cancers in our community.
“Safer in the Shade” uses a multi-pronged approach to raising skin cancer awareness. Recognizing that excessive sun exposure in childhood is connected to the development of adult skin cancer, much of this work focuses on children and youth.
Safer in the Shade-Tree Plantings and Prevention Education
- Trees are planted in high-sun areas where youth play or engage in sports. This activity reinforces the message of shade protection in a memorable, fun-filled way.
- Age and/or gender-appropriate sun safety education is provided by education specialists from the Health Department, Carroll Hospital Center, and/ or the American Cancer Society.
- Brimmed hats, sunglasses, lip protection sticks, or sunscreen are distributed to reinforce the learning experience.
- This event also creates an environmental benefit, adding to our erosion control and community green space.
Safer in the Shade-Swimming Pools
In 2011 The Partnership expanded outreach efforts to include a special summertime program at local community pools. As summer is the time of year that children and parents are purposefully exposing their skin to damaging UV Rays, The Partnership felt it would be an excellent way to continue the spirit of their message. Westminster City Director of Parks and Recreation, Ron Schroers was instrumental in granting access to the Westminster Municipal Pool for the summer.
- A Sun Safety display was erected right next to the pool with information regarding melanoma, skin cancer identification, and tanning bed usage.
- Brimmed hats, sunglasses, lip protection, sunscreen and UV detection cards were given away to over 150 children who read the American Cancer Society’s Sun Basics handout and were able to recite two facts.
- Free sunscreen and lip protection was provided by Carroll Hospital Center and The Partnership to 200 children and adults at the pool.
Breast Cancer/ Mammography Awareness Team
This Team works to raise awareness about breast cancer and the importance of mammography in our community. Mammograms are key in detecting early stages of cancer. In 2006, the percentage of women aged 50 and older who have had a mammogram within the past 2 years was 92%. In 2008 that number dropped significantly to 74%. Our goal based on American Cancer Society objectives is to have at least 90% of women aged 50 and older receiving a mammogram every 2 years.
Our efforts include
- Joining the American Cancer Society in the planning and execution of their annual awareness event at The Town Mall of Westminster in October.
- Partnering with the Health Department and The Carroll County Times on special edition news stories.
- Incentivizing the community and disparity group to get their mammograms at our local radiology centers.
- Continuing to connect other groups in the community who would like to begin their own initiatives.
- Turning The Partnership website pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Our Partners:
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is the most trusted source of cancer information in the country. They raise awareness about prevention and early detection through screening, and provide community-based services and programs.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Carroll County, in Maryland and in the United States. Cancer mortality rates have begun to decrease, thanks to prevention measures, screening awareness, reduction in tobacco use, and advances in treatment. The most prevalent cancers in Maryland are breast, colorectal, lung and prostate. Skin cancer rates are higher in Carroll County than the Maryland average.
The American Cancer Society has established that all cancers caused by tobacco and heavy use of alcohol could be prevented. An estimated one-third of cancer deaths are related to overweight, obesity, physical inactivity and nutrition. Regular screening can detect cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, cervix, prostate, oral cavity and skin at early stages. Prevention and early detection is critical to reducing cancer incidence and mortality rates.
Many organizations in Carroll County contribute to outreach and education about cancer, and to increasing screening and access to treatment. All play a valuable role in helping to reduce the burden of cancer. Please visit the links on this page for more information.
The Carroll County Health Department
Our local health department has several grant funded programs for cancer screening, detection, and treatment.
Breast and Cervical Cancer Program
This grant funded program helps low-income, uninsured, and under-insured women gain access to lifesaving screening programs for early detection of breast cancer and cervical cancer. The program provides clinical breast examinations, mammograms, and Pap tests for eligible women who participate in the program as well as diagnostic testing for women whose screening outcome is abnormal.
Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program offers free mammograms, breast exams and pap tests to women ages 40-64 who are uninsured or under insured and income eligible.
BCCP Expanded and the Diagnostic and Treatment Program offer free surgical consults, biopsies, and cancer treatment if needed, to uninsured or under insured and income eligible women.
Komen Grant for Younger Women: This service offers a surgical consult and additional imaging for women under age 40 who have been told by a clinician they need further evaluation of a breast lump or abnormal mammogram. They also must meet eligibility guidelines.
For More Information on the Breast and Cervical Cancer Fund, call Susan Rinehart at 410-876-4423.
Cigarette Restitution Fund Program
This program functions under a local Health Department grant from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. It is a cancer prevention, education, screening and treatment program, funded by tobacco settlement award funds. The primary goals are to reduce cancer mortality and decrease health disparities in cancer. Programs have focused on cancers of the lungs, colon, breast, prostate, oral, skin (melanoma) and cervix. These were selected due to the capacity for prevention, early detection and treatment to impact incidence and mortality.
The Cigarette Restitution Fund program is coordinated by Barbara White at the Carroll County Health Department. She is director of both the Community Cancer Coalition and the Tobacco Coalition. She can be reached at 410-876-4443 or bwhite@dhmh.state.md.us.
Cancer Coalition
The Carroll County Community Cancer Coalition meets four times a year, as part of the Cigarette Restitution Fund Program. Members are invited from the community- volunteers and many partnering organizations who work toward improving cancer outcomes in Carroll County.
For information in joining this group, please contact Barbara White at 410-876-4984.
Links
2011 Maryland Community Profile on Breast Cancer
ACS Cancer Fact Sheet for Carroll County 2008
American Cancer Society
Cancer patients can fly free on corporate jets
Carroll Regional Cancer Center
CDC Report on Cancers Related to Tobacco
Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation
Maryland Cancer Plan
Maryland Center for Cancer Surveillance and Control
Maryland CRFP Cancer Report 2010
New Connections - ACS Cancer Newsletter
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Tobacco Remains Leading Cause of Death
Prostate Cancer Facts
Page updated: 10/11
