The Arc WC Cancer Screening and Prevention Wellness Initiative

As the saying goes, prevention is the best medicine. Because early detection is the best form of prevention for all cancers, The Arc of Washington County launched “Attention to Prevention” in 2019. This initiative – in partnership with the Center for Cancer Prevention and Control within the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) –  promotes and provides employees with information about recommended cancer screenings. Cancer is the second leading cause of death across the country and in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Staying on top of your recommended screenings increases the chances of catching certain cancers early, when they are most likely to be treated successfully. Some screening tests can even prevent cancer.

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Under this initiative, regular full-time and part-time employees (at least 20 hours a week), will receive $10 in Arc Bucks for completing a cancer screening starting in 2019 (limited to one screening per eligible employee per year). To claim your Arc Bucks, please use this form: Attention to Prevention – cancer screening incentive form. Printed copies of this form are available in the wellness literature rack located in the break room at 820 Florida Avenue. Cancer screenings are not mandatory or essential for everyone. You are strongly encouraged to consult with your healthcare provider for information regarding recommended cancer screenings and review the associated benefits and risks. Your healthcare provider will consider your personal health history, family health history, prior screening results, and other possible risk factors to help guide if, when, and how often to screen for cancer. Eligible cancer screenings include any of the following, when conducted by a licensed healthcare professional to detect signs of cancer before you have symptoms:

  • Physical exam: An examination of the body to check for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual.
  • Laboratory tests: Medical procedures that test samples of tissue, blood, urine, or other substances in the body.
  • Imaging procedures: Procedures that make pictures of areas inside the body.
  • Genetic tests: Tests that look for certain gene mutations (changes) that are linked to some types of cancer.

The Arc of Washington County has partnered with the Center for Cancer Prevention and Control within the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) to educate and encourage all Arc WC employees to obtain recommended cancer screenings. For more information about cancer screenings, visit CDC.gov/Cancer or any of the resources linked below. We hope you’ll take this opportunity to focus on Attention to Prevention.