Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening and Treatment Program

The Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment Program (CPEST) provides and administers grants to local health departments and academic centers to reduce cancer mortality and cancer disparities in Maryland.

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Purpose

The purpose of Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment Program (CPEST) is to coordinate the State's use of the Cigarette Restitution Fund (CRF) so as to create a lasting legacy of public health initiatives that reduce mortality and morbidity rates for cancer and tobacco-related diseases in the State and otherwise benefit the health and welfare of the State's residents.

History

The Maryland Cigarette Restitution Fund was established in 2000 by the Maryland General Assembly (SB896/HB4125) to reduce the cancer incidence and mortality in Maryland. The legislation required the establishment of a local public health component to coordinate efforts in each jurisdiction. The local public health component of the CRF is the Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment Program (CPEST).

There are seven targeted cancers identified as priorities under the Maryland Cigarette Restitution Fund Program (CRFP). CRFP funds may be used to provide prevention, early detection, and/or treatment services for the targeted cancers. The seven-targeted cancers are lung and bronchus, colorectal, breast, cervical, prostate, skin (melanoma), and oral cancers.