The Surveillance and Evaluation Unit of the Center for Cancer Surveillance and Control has been created as a result of the tobacco settlement under the Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening and Treatment Program of Cigarette Restitution Fund (CRF) Program.  The purpose of the Surveillance and Evaluation Unit is to:

• Collect analyze, and monitor data relating to targeted cancers, non-targeted cancers as determined by the Department, and cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment programs in the State;
• Measure and evaluate screening and treatment programs in the State;
• Conduct a baseline cancer study (done August 2000); and
• Conduct a bi-annual cancer study.

A part of this purpose is met through the acquisition of data through designed telephone surveys.  The focus of these surveys is on risk behaviors, cancer screening, and other related behaviors among Maryland adults age 40 years and older. The surveys provide information that is particularly helpful to those interested in colorectal, breast, cervical (gynecologic), oral, and prostatic cancer screening and risk factors.  There is some overlap with topics that are also covered in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveys (BRFSS).