Maine Cancer Foundation recently awarded five Cancer Screening grants, totaling $380,000. These two-year grants will increase access to necessary cancer screenings across the state.

Cancer screening is a crucial component of cancer control as it helps to detect cancer early, when treatment is likely to work best. With some cancers, including colorectal and cervical, screening can even prevent the occurrence of the disease. Unfortunately, barriers to screening can arise when individuals face challenges such as a lack of transportation, insurance or financial concerns, misperceptions about screening eligibility, and even fear of the screening itself.

Over the last decade, Maine Cancer Foundation has invested over $5 million towards improving cancer screening in Maine, most recently with five two-year grant awards that will decrease barriers to screening and ensure more Mainers stay up to date on their cancer screenings. Grant Recipients and Initiatives: 

• Bucksport Regional Health Center, Improving Awareness and Access to Colorectal Cancer Screening for Younger Adults, $80,000
• Empowered Immigrant Women Unite, Bridging the Gap: Early Detection and Awareness for Breast Cancer in Underserved Communities, $60,000
• Harrington Family Health Center, Patient Navigation Cancer Prevention Program, $80,000
• Maine Family Planning, Cervical Cancer Screening for Underserved Rural Populations in Maine, $80,000
• MaineHealth - Maine Medical Center, Expanded Enhancement of Melanoma Screening Using Dermoscopy in Rural Primary Care, $80,000

“Screening for cancer before symptoms appear leads to more effective treatment and improved survival rates,” said Ray Ruby, Maine Cancer Foundation’s Executive Director, in a news release. “We are incredibly proud to partner with these five organizations to improve access to critical cancer screenings and we know the impact will be felt across the state with these important projects.”

In 2025, MCF is on track to invest over $2 million in grants to organizations across Maine. All funded programs support cancer prevention, early detection, and improved outcomes statewide.

Maine Cancer Foundation leads a statewide effort to reduce the impact of cancer in Maine. We invest in the most promising and effective programs that advance cancer prevention, increase screening, and improve access to care for all Maine people. For more information, please visit www.mainecancer.org