Cancer Education and Early Detection Program

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. The Cape May County Department of Health recognizes that screening initiatives could save thousands. In an effort to assist those who are uninsured or underinsured in getting cancer screenings, the Centers for Disease Control, the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services provided funds to establish a grant titled New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection, NJCEED.
New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection provides:
• FREE breast, cervical, colorectal and prostate cancer screening to qualified individuals.
• Outreach and Education
• Case Management
• Follow-ups to patients diagnosed through the NJCEED program.
Women’s Health
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. The American Cancer Society recommends that women 40 years and older get yearly clinical breast exams and mammograms. The first line of defense against cancer is you. It is important for women to know how their breasts look and feel normally, and report any abnormalities to their primary care provider. Women should also be getting screened for cervical cancer through Pap smears and pelvic exams, starting at the age of 21. Early detection is the key when it comes to the fight against cancer.
Men’s Health
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men. The rate of prostate cancer is at least 50 percent higher among African-American men than any other racial or ethnic group. Men whose brothers or fathers had prostate cancer before age 65 are also at a higher risk of getting prostate cancer. Men should talk to their primary health care provider to make a decision about getting screened. Men who are 50 years or older and have a high risk of getting prostate cancer should get a prostate specific antigen blood test and a digital rectal exam. Symptoms usually do not appear until the cancer is in the later stages, which is why screening for prostate cancer is so important.
Women and Men’s Health
Despite the fact that screening for colorectal cancer can save thousands, it is still the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women. Screening for colorectal cancer is recommended for individuals 50 years and older, and if an individual is at high risk screening may start earlier. The NJCEED program offers an easy take home fecal occult blood test for qualified individuals. It is also recommended that individuals get an annual digital rectal exam to screen for colorectal cancer. Make the call today, and take control of your health.
Make the Call
The New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection program offers all screening tests mentioned in this article for FREE to those who are uninsured or underinsured. The Cape May County NJCEED is located at 6 Moore Rd., Cape May Court House, NJ 08210, in the Crest Haven Complex off Exit 11 on the Garden State Parkway. To make an appointment for Cape May County NJCEED or for any additional information, call (609) 465-1047 for English or (609) 465-6840 for Spanish.