Cancer Prevention and Screening – Anne Arundel County Department of Health

Last updated: January 9, 2019

In Anne Arundel County, cancer is the leading cause of death. Research has shown most cancers are related to lifestyle factors such as tobacco use, diet and lack of exercise.

Learn to Live has lots of information on cancer prevention-including risk factors and tips for protecting yourself and your family. FREE cancer screening exams are available for eligible adult county residents. Call our Learn to Live Line at 410-222-7979 for more information.

Cancer in Anne Arundel County

Cancer is a disease that affects the lives of many people in Anne Arundel County and it is the leading cause of death among county residents. Cancer has been on the decline for several years in Anne Arundel County. Every year, over 2,500 Anne Arundel County residents are diagnosed with cancer. Seven main cancers are targeted by Maryland Department of Health because they have the most significant impact on incidence and mortality. There are strategies that exist for prevention and early detection of these cancers.

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Breast Cancer

There are certain cancers — breast and cervical cancer in particular — that women need to know about. In fact, more than 400 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year in Anne Arundel County. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in Anne Arundel County after lung cancer. However, through education, early detection and prompt treatment, we are seeing that the mortality rate from both breast and cervical cancer is decreasing. It is critical for women to get educated and checked for these cancers.

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Cervical Cancer

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus.

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Colorectal Cancer

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is a disease that occurs in the colon (large intestine or large bowel) or rectum (the passageway that connects the colon to the anus). A polyp, which is a small abnormal growth of tissue, can form in these areas of the digestive system. A polyp is not cancer, but it can change over time and turn into cancer. Colorectal cancer screenings can find precancerous polyps so that they can be removed before turning into cancer. Screening can also identify cancer when it is in its early stages and treatment is most successful.

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Lung Cancer

What Is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is the leading form of cancer death in Anne Arundel County, Maryland and in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 80 percent of all lung cancer deaths can be traced to tobacco use. Lung cancer is the presence of cancer cells in the tissues of the lungs, usually in the cells lining air passages. There are two types of lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is most common and grows and spreads slowly. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) grows and spreads faster than NSCLC.

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Oral Cancer

Protect Your Mouth!

Oral cancer is a form of cancer found in the tissues of the mouth, lips, pharynx and part of the throat. This cancer is commonly referred to as mouth, tongue and throat cancer. Approximately 550 Marylanders will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. The rate of diagnosis is even higher in Anne Arundel County when compared to both national and state averages.

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Prostate Cancer

What Is the Prostate?

The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system located just below the bladder (the organ that collects and empties urine) and in front of the rectum (the lower part of the intestine). It is found only in men. The size of the prostate varies with age. In younger men, it is about the size of a walnut, but it can be much larger in older men. The prostate surrounds part of the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder). Its job is to make the fluid that protects and nourishes sperm cells in semen.

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Sun Safety and Skin Cancer

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States, is divided into nonmelanomas and melanomas.

Nonmelanomas (usually basal cell and squamous cell cancers) are the most common type of skin cancer. They are also the easiest to treat if found in time. These cancers are more common in older people.
Melanoma is less common than basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, but it is far more serious. Melanoma is almost always curable in its early stages. If not caught early, it can spread to other parts of the body.

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