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Healthcare Provider Information |
Address:
Garrett Co. Health Dept.
1025 Memorial Drive
Oakland, MD 21550
Main Phone:
301-334-7777
or 301-895-3111
FAX: 301-334-7701
See department pages for individual phone numbers
E-Mail Webmaster
Released: February 27, 2006
"Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States , behind lung cancer," said Dr. William Pope of the Garrett County Health Department. "In 2005, the American Cancer Society projected close to 2,800 new cases of colorectal cancer in Maryland and approximately 1,100 mortalities from the disease."
" Despite these numbers, many people who should be screened for colorectal cancer never get the test(s) that can identify the cancer in its early and curable stages," continues Dr. Pope. In fact, colorectal cancer rates can be reduced by an estimated 70-90 percent through early screening with colonoscopy. Colonoscopy can also remove polyps, also called adenomas, which are pre-cancerous growths in the large intestines.
The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Center for Cancer Surveillance and Control recommends screening for people ages 50 and over; those with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps and individuals with history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease), and women with cancer of the ovary or endometrium need to start screening before they are 50.
"Our job is to educate the public about colorectal cancer, encourage doctors to recommend the appropriate screening test(s), and provide no-cost screening for people who are eligible," Dr Pope said. "Once people know the benefits of early screening and the services available to them, they are more open to the idea of being screened ."
For more information about colorectal cancer and the availability of free colorectal cancer screening for qualifying individuals, please call The Garrett County Health Department at 301-334-7770.