Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Carroll County, 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. However, there is still much to be done to reduce the physical, emotional, and financial burden of cancer.
According to the Maryland Cancer Registry, Carroll County has a higher incidence rate (number of cases) for overall cancers than the State, but lower mortality rate (death rate). The most prevalent cancers are breast, colorectal, lung and prostate. Skin cancer rates are higher in Carroll County than in the State.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has established that all cancers caused by cigarette smoking and heavy use of alcohol could be prevented. An estimated one-third of cancer deaths are related to overweight, obesity, physical inactivity and nutrition, and could also be prevented. Regular screening examinations 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.
Goals
and Objectives:
Our goal is to reduce the number of new cases and to reduce illness, disability and death caused by cancer.
Cancer objectives focus on prevention and improving screening rates to detect cancer at an earlier stage, when it is more treatable. For example, in the case of colorectal screening, identifying and removing polyps early is known to help prevent cancer.
Current objectives include:
|
1. |
To develop a multi-year plan with other
community partners to achieve
improvement in cancer screening rates
and prevention guidelines for breast,
prostate, colorectal and skin cancer. |
| 2. |
To promote skin cancer prevention
with partnering organizations. |
|
3. |
To explore the latest lung cancer screening options. |
Accomplishments:
The American Cancer Society’s Carroll County Leadership Council serves as the Cancer Work Group for The Partnership. The Council determined the Vital Signs indicators for cancer, and is developing and implementing specific strategies to improve screening, incidence and mortality rates in identified areas.
The ACS Leadership Council/Work Group consists of staff members from the local ACS office in Eldersburg, Carroll Hospital Center, Carroll County Health Department, and from other organizations, as well as dedicated individual volunteers.
Many groups in the County contribute to outreach and education about cancer, and to increasing screening and access to treatment. The following organizations all play valuable roles in reaching the public with education and tools to prevent, detect and reduce the burden of cancer.
Community Support/Partners:
American Cancer Society Carroll County Leadership Council
Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, Carroll County Health DepartmentCarroll County Cancer Center (Alliance Hematology & Oncology)
Carroll County Community Cancer Coalition (Cigarette Restitution Fund Program)
Carroll County Tobacco Coalition (Cigarette Restitution Fund Program)
Carroll Hospital Center Cancer Program (The Learning Center, The Women's Place, and Cancer Committee)
The Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation
Contact Information:
The Work Group / ACS Leadership Council meets four times a year.
For more information or if you are interested in joining this work group, see American Cancer Society Leadership Council under Partnership work Groups. To reach the American Cancer Society, call 1-800-ACS-2345.
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