County Executive James T. Smith Jr.
400 Washington Avenue
Old Courthouse Mezzanine
Towson, Maryland 21204
410-887-2450
E-mail Address: jimsmith@baltimorecountymd.gov
Dear Friends of Baltimore County,
During March, Baltimore County will be recognizing National Colon Cancer Awareness Month as an opportunity to educate our communities about colon cancer and the ways that it can be prevented.
Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer, commonly referred to as colon cancer, is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the United States, and it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Maryland. The American Cancer Society estimates that roughly 153,000 new cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed in 2007 and colon cancer’s expected to cause over 52,000 deaths in America alone this year. For men and women over age 50, who are most at risk for colon cancer, this can be a frightening disease. But through regular checkups and a healthy lifestyle, this disease is not just treatable, but preventable.
Between the years of 1998 and 2002, incidence rates of colon cancer decreased by 1.8 percent in America. This is attributed, in large part, to increased awareness and screening for this illness. Colon cancer can be fatal, but it can also be detected and treated if it is diagnosed early. For those over fifty, particularly those with a history of colon cancer in their families, a colonoscopy can be the difference between life and death.
Throughout this month, we will be reminding everyone of how important colon screening is, especially for men and women 50 years of age and older, and we will also be reminding our residents that through the cigarette restitution fund, the Baltimore County Department of Health offers free colon cancer screenings to at-risk individuals who lack health insurance and who meet our income eligibility guidelines. This free screening is to ensure that everyone in Baltimore County who needs this test, gets it. This is a most important preventative measure. This free colon cancer screening program has been tremendously successful, testing 1,312 patients since it began in 2000.
But screenings are not the only way to prevent colon cancer. A healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a high fiber, low fat diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can all help reduce the risk of colon cancer.
This month is an opportunity to spread awareness about this disease and the importance of the colon screening. Our goal is to encourage everyone in the at-risk population to get a cancer screening, so that unnecessary cancer deaths can be reduced. This important free screening program is saving lives in Maryland and in Baltimore County, but its continued success in reducing death rates from colon cancer depends on increasing both awareness and participation. I want to personally encourage everyone who qualified to take advantage of this program and get a free colon cancer screening. I know that, by getting the word out, we can create a healthier Baltimore County.
James T. Smith, Jr.
Baltimore County Executive
Revised March 6, 2007
Courthouse 