The Falmouth-based Maine Cancer Foundation recently awarded eight grants, totaling $580,083, to Maine organizations in support of cancer screening projects.

Cancer screening is a vital component of cancer control, increasing the chances of finding cancer early, when treatment is likely to have the most success. Across the U.S., many cancer screenings were put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The full impact of these delays is yet to be determined, but in order to reduce the impact of cancer, the importance of getting Mainers screened is vital, according to a news release from the foundation.

In support of these efforts, the foundation awarded the grants to improve cancer screenings. Grant projects will take place over two years and address breast, cervical, colorectal, lung and skin cancer screenings. Awardees include:

• AK Health and Social Services (Lewiston): Boosting cancer screening rates for immigrants, refugees and BIPOC Communities in Maine, $15,000;

• Greater Portland Health (Portland): Increasing cancer screenings through culturally responsive care, $90,000;

• Islands Community Medical Services (Vinalhaven): Increasing cancer screenings at ICMS, $100,000;

• Maine Family Planning (Augusta): Request to support cervical cancer screening, $28,436;

• MaineHealth – Healthy Community Coalition (Farmington): Reducing barriers to lung cancer screening in Franklin County, $99,824;

• MaineHealth – Maine Medical Center (Portland): Improving lung cancer mortality through increased screening capacity at MMC Cancer Institute, $96,823;

• New Mainers Public Health Initiative (Lewiston): Cancer education and awareness, $50,000; and

• Penobscot Community Health Center (Bangor): Improving cervical cancer screening in primary care, $100,000.

“Maine Cancer Foundation is proud to partner with these organizations to increase cancer screenings and ensure cancer is found as early as possible, when outcomes are typically better,” said Katelyn Michaud, MCF’s director of grantmaking. “We’re confident that these funds are reaching the areas of Maine that need them most.”