PCC is helping more Montgomery County residents access essential cancer prevention and early detection services through Montgomery Cares and its network of partner health centers. Led by Ogechukwu Ilogu, PCC’s Director of Cancer Prevention and Detection, the effort is bringing more screening options where residents live, receive care, and have trusted relationships.
“Early detection can make a life-changing difference,” Ilogu said. “Our goal is to make cancer screening easier to access, easier to understand, and more responsive to the needs of every community we serve.”
Bringing Colorectal Cancer Screening to More Clinics
One important step has been the expansion of colorectal cancer screening through participating health centers. Residents can now access Cologuard, an at-home, self-administered screening test, through eight partner organizations, with a ninth expected to begin offering the service in 2027.
“Offering an at-home option can remove some of the practical barriers that keep people from being screened,” Ilogu said. “By working through trusted health centers, we can help more residents take an important step to protect their health.”
Growing a Culturally Responsive Network
PCC has also thoughtfully expanded the number of health centers participating in the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program services provided through a combination of federal and state funds. (Funding sources are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Award -- 93.898 Cancer Prevention and Control Programs for State, Territorial, and Tribal Organizations and the MDH Center for Cancer Prevention and Control). Although more work remains to ensure every population is fully served, cancer prevention and detection services are increasingly reaching Asian, Latino, and African communities with attention to cultural considerations that can shape how people seek care and discuss screening.
The addition of the Muslim Community Center is an especially meaningful step in reaching non-Hispanic Black and African American women. “Access is more than making a service available,” Ilogu said. “It is also about meeting people in places where they feel known. Because it serves many patients with African roots, the Muslim Community Center strengthens our ability to do that.”
Building Awareness Through Community Conversations
The third part of PCC’s approach is communication: helping residents understand that cancer screening services are available to them. Many people may assume they are not eligible or cannot afford screening. When mammograms, cervical and colorectal cancer screening are discussed less often, awareness remains low and opportunities for early detection may be missed.
“Conversations with trusted community members can open the door to care,” Ilogu said. “When community members are reminded that these services are available (either through community outreach events that PCC participates in and/or trusted partners in the community), they are more likely take action.”
Through expanded screening options, culturally responsive partnerships, and stronger community outreach, PCC is working to ensure that more Montgomery County residents can access the preventive services they need—because everyone deserves the opportunity to protect their health against cancer.