The Colorectal Cancer Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Program

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Maryland and the leading cause of cancer death in Howard County. Colorectal cancer affects both women and men.

Colorectal cancer may be prevented through recommended screening, early detection and treatment.

The key elements of the program developed by the Howard County Cancer Coalition consists of education, prevention, early screening and detection, diagnosis and treatment.

The goals are to provide:

• Colorectal cancer education to all Howard County residents.
• If eligibility guidelines are met: A colonoscopy to residents between 50 years and 80 years of age or residents over 21 years old and at increased risk for colorectal cancer.
• Necessary diagnostic and treatment services for colorectal cancer.

Eligibility guidelines:

• Howard County resident
• Income requirement
• Health insurance criteria below:
• Be uninsured, or
• Have insurance that one of the following conditions is met:
• Deductible has not been met, or
• Services are not covered, or
• Reimbursement paid by insurance is less than the State's Medical Assistance rate.

To apply, complete the Howard County Health Department application. If you qualify, you can receive a colonoscopy by a participating health care provider.

A Resource Directory of local and regional resources is available for accurate information and clinical services for screening, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. The directory is available at the Howard County Public Library locations and at our website, http://www.hchealth.org/cancer.

The American Cancer Society is providing educational sessions and presentations to Howard County communities about colon cancer and colorectal screening. To schedule a presentation, contact the Howard County Health Department at 410-313-2333.

Howard County Health Department
7178 Columbia Gateway Drive
Columbia, Maryland 21046
(410) 313-4255