Below are Baltimore area cancer treatment and prevention resources. Click the hyperlinks for more information. General information about cancer can be found below the listed resources.
MedStar Harbor Hospital
Medstar Harbor Hospital provides a number free screening programs to individuals of low income/have no insurance including programs for breast cancer and colon cancer along with more comprehensive medical care within their facilities according to usual hospital costs.
3001 S Hanover St, Baltimore, MD 21225
(855) 633-0199
Services:
For more information: https://www.medstarhealth.org/services/cancer-screening-and-diagnosis
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins
Department of Oncology Social Work
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins provides professional counseling to patients, families and care-givers with psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs.
John Hopkins Weinberg Building, Suite 1210
(410) 955-8934
Services:
Eligibility: Medicare and Medicaid Accepted, Assistance available if eligible
For more information: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/kimmel_cancer_center/patient_information/support_services_counseling.html
Baltimore County Department of Health
Baltimore County Department of Health aims to promote health and prevent disease by educating communities, advocating for healthy lifestyles, linking people to resources and treating various health conditions.
6401 York Road, Third Floor
Baltimore, Maryland 21212
(410) 887-3456
Services: Free for participants
American Cancer Society Hope Lodge—Baltimore
The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge at Baltimore combines a home-like atmosphere with easy access to Baltimore medical facilities for cancer patients who have traveled for cancer treatments.
636 W. Lexington Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 547-2522
Services:
Eligibility: Must have physician/provider referral
For more information: http://www.cancer.org/treatment/supportprogramsservices/hopelodge/baltimore/baltimore-local-area-resources
Additional Health Information
Is there a local American Cancer Society?
Yes! There is is a local American Cancer Society offices. It is located near the edge of Baltimore. Below is the address for the Baltimore, MD Office:
Baltimore, MD Office (formerly White Marsh)
405 Williams Court, Suite 120
Baltimore, Maryland 21220
Phone: (410)-931-6850
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (E)
How can secondhand smoke affect me, and how can I avoid it?
Secondhand smoke is a mixture of two forms of smoke that come from burning tobacco including the smoke exhaled by a smoker (mainstream smoke) as well as the smoke from the lighted end of a cigarette/pipe/cigar/hookah (sidestream smoke). These harmful chemicals are the same as the chemicals that smokers inhale and therefore are also known to cause cancer.
Strategies to avoid secondhand smoke include keeping closed spaces ventilated, maintaining a smoke-free home, and banning smoking in buildings and public areas. There are many regulations and policies in place to encourage smoke-free environments. If possible, avoid persons who smoke to reduce exposure to secondhand smoking.
Health Risks of Secondhand Smoke. (2015, November 13). Retrieved March 10, 2016, from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/tobaccocancer/secondhand-smoke
Why should I keep a healthy weight?
It is important to maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese greatly increases the risk of many types of cancer. Excess weight causes the body to produce and circulate more hormones which may stimulate cancer growth.
One way to reduce cancer risk through healthy weight is by keeping your Body Mass Index (BMI) below 25. BMI can be calculated by the following equation: Weight (kg)/Height (m)2. You can do this by being intentional about portion sizes, reducing intake of high-calorie foods and drinks, and being physically active.
Citation:
Diet and Physical Activity: What’s the Cancer Connection? (2016, February 05). Retrieved March 10, 2016, from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/dietandphysicalactivity/diet-and-physical-activity
How can physical activity help me?
Being physically active not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also improves the immune system and controls hormone levels. The recommended amount for adults is 150 minutes of moderate intensity/75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity every week. It’s most ideal to spread your activity throughout the week. Moderate activity are those that make you breathe hard. Vigorous activities make you breathe hard, sweat, and increase your heart rate.
Citation:
Diet and Physical Activity: What’s the Cancer Connection? (2016, February 05). Retrieved March 10, 2016, from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/dietandphysicalactivity/diet-and-physical-activity
Limit your alcohol intake. The less you drink, the more you are able to reduce your risk.
You are at higher risk for cancer if you intake too much alcohol. If you drink alcohol, you should not drink more than 2 drinks a day (men)/1 drink a day (women). A drink of alcohol is equivalent to 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof hard liquor. Risk of cancer is only associated with amount of alcohol, not with the type of alcohol.
Citation:
Diet and Physical Activity: What’s the Cancer Connection? (2016, February 05). Retrieved March 10, 2016, from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/dietandphysicalactivity/diet-and-physical-activity
Protect your skin. Be safe in the sun and don’t use tanning beds or lamps.
Skin cancer is most often caused by UV radiation. UV Radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation that primarily comes from the sun, but can also be from manmade sources such as tanning beds. These UV rays damage DNA and cause skin cells to age.
There are many ways to protect our skin including the use of sunscreen and by covering skin. It is also advised to stay in the shade, especially during hours between 10am to 4 pm, which is when the UV rays are the strongest. Use of tanning beds and other artificial sources of UV rays is highly advised against.
Citation:
Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation. (2015, August 12). Retrieved March 10, 2016, from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/radiationexposureandcancer/uvradiation/index
Know your body and watch for signs of cancer.
Cancer can cause almost any sign/symptom. The signs and symptoms depend on the location of the cancer, its size, and how it affects the organs and tissues. Cancer is uncontrolled growth of cells. This can push nearby organs, blood vessels, and nerves.
Some signs include, but are not limited to:
It is important to recognize these in order to treat the cancer before it reaches later stages.
Citation:
Signs and Symptoms of Cancer. (2014, August 11). Retrieved March 10, 2016, from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancerbasics/signs-and-symptoms-of-cancer
Report any changes in your health to your doctor.
Maintain open and honest dialogue with provider in order for them to best assess the situation. Always report any changes to your doctor during follow-up visits. If previous signs of cancer are returning, there are physical problems interfering with daily life, or you are experiencing physical pain, then notify the doctor immediately.
Citation:
"Follow-up Care After Cancer Treatment." National Cancer Institute. 27 May 2010. Web. 10 Mar. 2016. <http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/survivorship/follow-up-care/follow-up-fact-sheet>.
Get screened to help find cancer early.
Regular visits to your healthcare provider can aid in early detection of cancer before it grows or spreads enough to become harmful. Early stages of cancers are the most curable and cheapest to treat. The American Cancer Society recommends that women over the age of 40 get screened regularly for breast cancer. At the age of 50 both men and women should start screening for colon and rectal cancer. Cervical cancer testing should start in women at the age of 21. After menopause women should start getting tested for endometrial uterine cancer. Cigarette smokers should screen for lung cancer.
Citation:
"American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer." American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer. 20 Oct. 15. Web. 10 Mar. 2016. <http://www.cancer.org/healthy/findcancerearly/cancerscreeningguidelines/american-cancer-society-guidelines-for-the-early-detection-of-cancer>.
Check your family’s cancer history.
Abnormal genes (mutations) that can lead to cancer are often inheritable. However, it is more likely that family members are acquiring a certain cancer due to a shared environment versus it being caused by genetics. For example, often times several people in a household are exposed to cigarette toxins or share the similar habit of smoking therefore the entire family is more at risk for lung cancer. Persons with a family history of cancer should stay alert regarding their health and screen regularly.
Citation:
"Family Cancer Syndromes." Family Cancer Syndromes. 25 June 2014. Web. 10 Mar. 2016. <http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/geneticsandcancer/heredity-and-cancer>.
Understand how hormones and infections affect your cancer risk.
Some infections can increase the risk of cancer. This can happen when a virus injects its genes into a cell, causing it to either mutate or grow out of control. There are also infections that cause prolonged inflammation which alters surrounding and immune cells thus mutating them to potentially be problematic. Finally, some infections suppress the immune system and leave the body vulnerable to certain cancers.
Citation:
"Can Infections Cause Cancer?" Can Infections Cause Cancer? 24 Sept. 2014. Web. 10 Mar. 2016. <http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/othercarcinogens/infectiousagents/infectiousagentsandcancer/infectious-agents-and-cancer-intro>.
Get rid of harmful substances at work and at home
Some common carcinogens in the household are: Radon, Asbestos, and Alcohol. Other things such as hair dye and cell phones are under scrutiny however no conclusive answer has been yet reached. Some common carcinogens identified in the workplace include: formaldehyde, asbestos, and benzene.
Citation:
"Other Carcinogens." Cancer.org. American Cancer Society. Web. 10 Mar. 2016. <http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/othercarcinogens/other-carcinogens-landing>.
Raise awareness about cancer prevention in your community.
To raise cancer awareness in your community the CDC toolkit recommends a five step approach. Understand your community’s needs, Plan your community outreach strategy, Get the word out, Build community partnerships, and Evaluate your efforts. This can be as simple as social media awareness or as elaborate as speaking at community events.
Citation:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Road to Better Health: A Guide to Promoting Cancer Prevention in Your Community. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Dept of Health and Human Services; 2012.
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/pdf/cancertoolkit.pdf
MedStar Harbor Hospital
Medstar Harbor Hospital provides a number free screening programs to individuals of low income/have no insurance including programs for breast cancer and colon cancer along with more comprehensive medical care within their facilities according to usual hospital costs.
3001 S Hanover St, Baltimore, MD 21225
(855) 633-0199
Services:
- Free Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program Baltimore City (410-350-2001)
- Free Mammogram, Pap Test, & Breast Exam
- Eligibility:
- Women 40-64 years of age. Women over 65 without Medicare, or with Medicare Part A only are eligible for this program.
- Must either be uninsured or have health insurance which does not cover the screening procedures.
- (Women on Medical Assistance, and women enrolled in Medicare Part B, HMOs or PPOs are NOT eligible for this program).
- Free Colon Cancer Screening Program (410-350-8216)
- Colonoscopy
- Eligibility:
- Baltimore City/County Residents
- Age 50+
- Uninsured or underinsured
- Live on limited income
- Eligibility:
For more information: https://www.medstarhealth.org/services/cancer-screening-and-diagnosis
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins
Department of Oncology Social Work
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins provides professional counseling to patients, families and care-givers with psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs.
John Hopkins Weinberg Building, Suite 1210
(410) 955-8934
Services:
- Day to day coping
- Money/legal assistance
- Care giving
- Chaplain support
- Image Recovery
- Spiritual Support
Eligibility: Medicare and Medicaid Accepted, Assistance available if eligible
For more information: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/kimmel_cancer_center/patient_information/support_services_counseling.html
Baltimore County Department of Health
Baltimore County Department of Health aims to promote health and prevent disease by educating communities, advocating for healthy lifestyles, linking people to resources and treating various health conditions.
6401 York Road, Third Floor
Baltimore, Maryland 21212
(410) 887-3456
Services: Free for participants
- Screening for colorectal cancer:
- Eligibility:
- Baltimore County resident
- Do not have health insurance that covers the cost of the screening, diagnosis or treatment services
- Meet age requirement for individual program
- Meet income requirement
- Eligibility:
- Mammograms
- Clinical breast exams
- Pap tests
- Eligibility:
- Maryland residency
- Do not have health insurance to cover the cost of the screening
- Women age 40 to 64
- Do not exceed income limitation
- Eligibility:
American Cancer Society Hope Lodge—Baltimore
The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge at Baltimore combines a home-like atmosphere with easy access to Baltimore medical facilities for cancer patients who have traveled for cancer treatments.
636 W. Lexington Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 547-2522
Services:
- 26 guest rooms with private baths
- A common kitchen area with 4 ovens, sinks and stove tops
- A Great Room, game room and television room
- Computer work stations and a library
- Washers and dryers on each floor
- Transportation to and from treatment (within a 3-mile radius)
- Cancer support programs and services
- Look Good...Feel Better Group
- Caregiver Support Groups
Eligibility: Must have physician/provider referral
For more information: http://www.cancer.org/treatment/supportprogramsservices/hopelodge/baltimore/baltimore-local-area-resources
Additional Health Information
Is there a local American Cancer Society?
Yes! There is is a local American Cancer Society offices. It is located near the edge of Baltimore. Below is the address for the Baltimore, MD Office:
Baltimore, MD Office (formerly White Marsh)
405 Williams Court, Suite 120
Baltimore, Maryland 21220
Phone: (410)-931-6850
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (E)
How can secondhand smoke affect me, and how can I avoid it?
Secondhand smoke is a mixture of two forms of smoke that come from burning tobacco including the smoke exhaled by a smoker (mainstream smoke) as well as the smoke from the lighted end of a cigarette/pipe/cigar/hookah (sidestream smoke). These harmful chemicals are the same as the chemicals that smokers inhale and therefore are also known to cause cancer.
Strategies to avoid secondhand smoke include keeping closed spaces ventilated, maintaining a smoke-free home, and banning smoking in buildings and public areas. There are many regulations and policies in place to encourage smoke-free environments. If possible, avoid persons who smoke to reduce exposure to secondhand smoking.
Health Risks of Secondhand Smoke. (2015, November 13). Retrieved March 10, 2016, from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/tobaccocancer/secondhand-smoke
Why should I keep a healthy weight?
It is important to maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese greatly increases the risk of many types of cancer. Excess weight causes the body to produce and circulate more hormones which may stimulate cancer growth.
One way to reduce cancer risk through healthy weight is by keeping your Body Mass Index (BMI) below 25. BMI can be calculated by the following equation: Weight (kg)/Height (m)2. You can do this by being intentional about portion sizes, reducing intake of high-calorie foods and drinks, and being physically active.
Citation:
Diet and Physical Activity: What’s the Cancer Connection? (2016, February 05). Retrieved March 10, 2016, from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/dietandphysicalactivity/diet-and-physical-activity
How can physical activity help me?
Being physically active not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also improves the immune system and controls hormone levels. The recommended amount for adults is 150 minutes of moderate intensity/75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity every week. It’s most ideal to spread your activity throughout the week. Moderate activity are those that make you breathe hard. Vigorous activities make you breathe hard, sweat, and increase your heart rate.
Citation:
Diet and Physical Activity: What’s the Cancer Connection? (2016, February 05). Retrieved March 10, 2016, from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/dietandphysicalactivity/diet-and-physical-activity
Limit your alcohol intake. The less you drink, the more you are able to reduce your risk.
You are at higher risk for cancer if you intake too much alcohol. If you drink alcohol, you should not drink more than 2 drinks a day (men)/1 drink a day (women). A drink of alcohol is equivalent to 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof hard liquor. Risk of cancer is only associated with amount of alcohol, not with the type of alcohol.
Citation:
Diet and Physical Activity: What’s the Cancer Connection? (2016, February 05). Retrieved March 10, 2016, from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/dietandphysicalactivity/diet-and-physical-activity
Protect your skin. Be safe in the sun and don’t use tanning beds or lamps.
Skin cancer is most often caused by UV radiation. UV Radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation that primarily comes from the sun, but can also be from manmade sources such as tanning beds. These UV rays damage DNA and cause skin cells to age.
There are many ways to protect our skin including the use of sunscreen and by covering skin. It is also advised to stay in the shade, especially during hours between 10am to 4 pm, which is when the UV rays are the strongest. Use of tanning beds and other artificial sources of UV rays is highly advised against.
Citation:
Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation. (2015, August 12). Retrieved March 10, 2016, from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/radiationexposureandcancer/uvradiation/index
Know your body and watch for signs of cancer.
Cancer can cause almost any sign/symptom. The signs and symptoms depend on the location of the cancer, its size, and how it affects the organs and tissues. Cancer is uncontrolled growth of cells. This can push nearby organs, blood vessels, and nerves.
Some signs include, but are not limited to:
- Pain
- Fever
- extreme fatigue
- weight loss
- Lumps on the skin or areas of the body are also potential signs of cancer
It is important to recognize these in order to treat the cancer before it reaches later stages.
Citation:
Signs and Symptoms of Cancer. (2014, August 11). Retrieved March 10, 2016, from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancerbasics/signs-and-symptoms-of-cancer
Report any changes in your health to your doctor.
Maintain open and honest dialogue with provider in order for them to best assess the situation. Always report any changes to your doctor during follow-up visits. If previous signs of cancer are returning, there are physical problems interfering with daily life, or you are experiencing physical pain, then notify the doctor immediately.
Citation:
"Follow-up Care After Cancer Treatment." National Cancer Institute. 27 May 2010. Web. 10 Mar. 2016. <http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/survivorship/follow-up-care/follow-up-fact-sheet>.
Get screened to help find cancer early.
Regular visits to your healthcare provider can aid in early detection of cancer before it grows or spreads enough to become harmful. Early stages of cancers are the most curable and cheapest to treat. The American Cancer Society recommends that women over the age of 40 get screened regularly for breast cancer. At the age of 50 both men and women should start screening for colon and rectal cancer. Cervical cancer testing should start in women at the age of 21. After menopause women should start getting tested for endometrial uterine cancer. Cigarette smokers should screen for lung cancer.
Citation:
"American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer." American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer. 20 Oct. 15. Web. 10 Mar. 2016. <http://www.cancer.org/healthy/findcancerearly/cancerscreeningguidelines/american-cancer-society-guidelines-for-the-early-detection-of-cancer>.
Check your family’s cancer history.
Abnormal genes (mutations) that can lead to cancer are often inheritable. However, it is more likely that family members are acquiring a certain cancer due to a shared environment versus it being caused by genetics. For example, often times several people in a household are exposed to cigarette toxins or share the similar habit of smoking therefore the entire family is more at risk for lung cancer. Persons with a family history of cancer should stay alert regarding their health and screen regularly.
Citation:
"Family Cancer Syndromes." Family Cancer Syndromes. 25 June 2014. Web. 10 Mar. 2016. <http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/geneticsandcancer/heredity-and-cancer>.
Understand how hormones and infections affect your cancer risk.
Some infections can increase the risk of cancer. This can happen when a virus injects its genes into a cell, causing it to either mutate or grow out of control. There are also infections that cause prolonged inflammation which alters surrounding and immune cells thus mutating them to potentially be problematic. Finally, some infections suppress the immune system and leave the body vulnerable to certain cancers.
Citation:
"Can Infections Cause Cancer?" Can Infections Cause Cancer? 24 Sept. 2014. Web. 10 Mar. 2016. <http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/othercarcinogens/infectiousagents/infectiousagentsandcancer/infectious-agents-and-cancer-intro>.
Get rid of harmful substances at work and at home
Some common carcinogens in the household are: Radon, Asbestos, and Alcohol. Other things such as hair dye and cell phones are under scrutiny however no conclusive answer has been yet reached. Some common carcinogens identified in the workplace include: formaldehyde, asbestos, and benzene.
Citation:
"Other Carcinogens." Cancer.org. American Cancer Society. Web. 10 Mar. 2016. <http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/othercarcinogens/other-carcinogens-landing>.
Raise awareness about cancer prevention in your community.
To raise cancer awareness in your community the CDC toolkit recommends a five step approach. Understand your community’s needs, Plan your community outreach strategy, Get the word out, Build community partnerships, and Evaluate your efforts. This can be as simple as social media awareness or as elaborate as speaking at community events.
Citation:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Road to Better Health: A Guide to Promoting Cancer Prevention in Your Community. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Dept of Health and Human Services; 2012.
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/pdf/cancertoolkit.pdf