Cancer

Programs for cancer screening and treatment

Screening & Treatment

Early detection is by far the most beneficial way to detect and treat all cancers, including breast and cervical cancer.

Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body divide and spread uncontrollably, damaging the body. Cancer screening is checking for cancer before an individual has any symptoms. Getting regular screening tests can help find cancer early, when it may be easier to treat or cure.

When and How Often Should I Screen?

Early detection is by far the most beneficial way to detect and treat all cancers, including breast and cervical cancer. But when should you begin screening, and how often?

Cervical Cancer

Should start at age 21, regardless of if you are sexually active
People between the ages of 25-65 should get an HPV test every five years
People 65+ who have had regular cervical cancer screening in the past ten years SHOULD NOT be tested for cervical cancer and should not be retested after testing has stopped
People who have had their cervix removed should not be tested
If you are vaccinated against HPV, you should follow the above recommendations

Breast Cancer

Women ages 40-44 should start getting annual screening with a mammogram
Women aged 45-54 should get mammograms every year
Women aged 55+ should have mammograms every two years or can continue getting them annually
Transmasculine (female-to-male) individuals who have not had a bilateral mastectomy should get an annual screening
Transfeminine (male-to-female) individuals aged 50+ with at least 5 years of feminizing hormone use should have mammograms every two years and should discuss screening and risk factors with their provider

Don’t forget that you can also do a self-examination for breast cancer at home!

You can do it in the shower by firmly pressing the pads of your three middle fingers in the armpit area and feeling for any new lumps, thickenings, hardened knots, and any other unusual breast changes
In the mirror with arms by your side, you can look to see if you notice any unusual dimpling, swelling, or skin irregularities
While lying down, place a pillow under your right shoulder. Use the three middle fingers on your left hand to cover the entire breast and armpit area and apply pressure to feel for knots, lumps, and thickenings. Squeeze your nipple and check for discharge. Then, repeat the same with your left breast.

If you do notice any of these changes during your self-examination, please immediately contact your health provider.

SMCHD’s Cancer Screening Programs

Eligibility

All program participants must:

Be uninsured or underinsured
Have limited income
Be a Maryland resident

The St. Mary’s County Health Department helps eligible residents get access to recommended cancer screening services at no cost to them. The following services may be provided based on screening and medical history:

Clinical Breast Exam
Mammogram
PAP test
Diagnostic services following an abnormal breast or cervical cancer screening
Colonoscopy

Screening Specifics

Mammograms & Breast Exams: Ages 40 – 64

When cancer starts in the breast, it is called breast cancer. Except for skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women. Due to this, breast cancer screening is essential for early detection. Breast cancer screening is a way to detect signs of breast cancer through mammograms, MRI of the breast (magnetic resonance imaging), and CBE (clinical breast exam). A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms.

An individual may be eligible for mammograms and breast exams through SMCHD’s Cancer Screening Program if they are:

A woman or transmasculine (female-to-male) individuals who has not had a bilateral mastectomy between the ages of 40-64
A transfeminine individual aged 50+ with at least 5 years of feminizing hormone use
Uninsured, underinsured, or limited income
A Maryland resident

Cervical Exams & PAP Tests: Ages 21 – 64

When cancer starts in the cervix, it is called cervical cancer. The cervix connects the vagina (birth canal) to the upper part of the uterus (or womb). The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is highly preventable in most Western countries because screening tests and a vaccine to prevent HPV infections are readily available. When cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable and associated with long survival and good quality of life.

A woman is eligible for cervical exams and Pap tests through SMCHD’s Cancer Screening Program if she is:

Between the ages of 21-64
Uninsured, underinsured, or limited income
A Maryland resident

Colonoscopies: Age 45+ (or under 45 with family history and/or symptoms)

When cancer occurs in the colon (large bowel) or rectum (connection between large bowel and anus), it is called “colorectal cancer” (sometimes referred to as “colon cancer”). Of cancers affecting both men and women in the United States, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cancer killer. If everybody aged 45 or older had regular screening tests, as many as 60% of deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented. Screening for colorectal cancer helps detect and treat pre-cancerous problems and early stages of cancer. When colorectal cancer is treated in its early stages, treatment often leads to a cure.

A resident may be eligible for Cologuard or a colonoscopy through SMCHD’s Cancer Screening Program if they are:

Age 50 and over, or under age 50 with a family history and/or symptoms
Uninsured, underinsured, or limited income
A Maryland resident

Treatment

The Maryland Breast and Cervical Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Program is offered through the Center for Cancer Prevention and Control at the Maryland Department of Health. This program reimburses participating healthcare providers who deliver covered breast and cervical cancer diagnostic and treatment services to eligible Maryland women. Click here for eligibility criteria, information on what medical services may be covered, and an application to enroll in the program. More information is also available by calling 410-767-6787 or 1-800-477-9774.