Each year CEED, the Bergen County Cancer Education and Early Detection Program, helps hundreds of county residents who cannot afford medical tests for cancer.

In 2001 approximately 400 women and 100 men were educated, screened and counseled on breast, cervical, prostate or colorectal cancer and referred to other services through CEED.

Bergen County residents age 50 years and older can receive services through CEED if they have a low income, are underinsured, or have no medical insurance. Residents covered by Medicare Part B or Medicaid are not eligible.

Interpreters who speak Polish, Korean, and Spanish assist the health department’s public health nurses in counseling the hundreds of individuals screened each year. Members of the community and the department’s Office of Health Promotion also reach out and educate target groups throughout the county.

CEED works with all six hospitals in Bergen County and numerous other agencies participating in a countywide coalition fighting cancer.

For further information about the CEED program, call (201) 634-2660.