CDC works with many partners to translate research into public health programs, practices, and services. CDC helps states, U.S. territories, and tribal groups develop cancer control programs for the people who need them most.

Through its four national programs, CDC's Division of Cancer Prevention and Control (DCPC) works with national organizations, state health agencies, and other key groups to develop, implement, and promote effective cancer prevention and control practices. The following examples show how some program participants have helped reduce the burden of cancer.

National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)

Since 1991, the NBCCEDP has provided screening and diagnostic exams for breast and cervical cancer to low-income women with little or no health insurance. The NBCCEDP supports early detection programs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, 12 American Indian/Alaska Native organizations, and 5 U.S. territories.

South Carolina: Making a Difference in Women's Lives

In the 20 years since its inception, more than 87,000 women have been screened through South Carolina's Best Chance Network (BCN). BCN works to reduce the toll of breast and cervical cancer on S.C. women by providing free screenings to women who meet income and financial eligibility guidelines.

Mrs. Kelly, a retired mother of seven and grandmother of 20, and now a breast cancer survivor, didn't know about the lump in her breast. "I have been a recipient of the Best Chance Network screenings for 10 years. It was through a mammogram that the lump in my right breast was found. This program is critical," says Mrs. Kelly.

More than 1,100 women have been diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 39 with cervical cancer through BCN since 1990. BCN's success is the result of dedicated support from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control for program management, clinical verification, reimbursements, and case management; the S.C. Department of Health and Human Services for Medicaid coverage of treatment; and partnership with the American Cancer Society for outreach. BCN is funded through the NBCCEDP to provide screening, diagnostic procedures, quality assurance and case management, recruitment, and public education.

National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP)

The NCCCP funds states, tribal organizations, and territories to establish coalitions, assess the burden of cancer, determine priorities, and develop and implement Comprehensive Cancer Control (CCC) programs. CCC is an integrated and coordinated approach to reducing cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality through prevention, early detection, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliation.

Vermont: Providing Critical Personal Support to Cancer Survivors

A primary goal of the Vermont State Cancer Plan is to "improve the quality of life for Vermonters living with, through and beyond a diagnosis of cancer." The Vermont Cancer Survivor Network (VCSN), a volunteer non-profit organization, implements strategies to meet the Plan's survivorship goals.

In 2006, the Vermont Department of Health finished a focus group study of cancer survivors from around the state to determine their needs. The predominant theme was that interpersonal support is critical for cancer survivors, but that need is not well met in many areas. Study participants described a deep need for the kind of personal support that can be provided only by someone who has been through a cancer experience.

To meet this need, VCSN developed a peer-to-peer support program called Kindred Connections. In 2007, the program was piloted in Washington and Orleans counties, which are rural and have limited access to cancer survivor support groups. The response to the call for volunteers was greater than expected, with 20 from one county and 12 from the other. By the end of 2008, more than 70 volunteers were trained and matched to dozens of cancer survivors. In 2009, VCSN received a grant from the Vermont Cancer Center to extend the program to a third rural county. Twenty new volunteers have been trained.

Kindred Connections has proven successful at meeting the complex needs of cancer survivors looking for support in rural Vermont.

National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR)

The NPCR collects data on cancer occurrence; the type, extent, and location of cancers; and the type of initial treatment. The NPCR supports central cancer registries in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Pacific Island jurisdictions.

Kentucky: Using Cancer Registry Data to Reduce the Burden of Colorectal Cancer

The Kentucky Cancer Registry recognized that colorectal cancer incidence and deaths were increasing in the state, and only about one-third of the eligible population had been screened for colorectal cancer. In addition, the Registry discovered that colorectal cancer was the second most common cause of cancer death in men and women combined. Since colorectal cancer has known screening and early detection methods, the Registry presented the data to state and regional cancer control representatives, encouraging them to implement cancer control activities to address this problem.

Since the Registry first identified the problem using 2001 data, the state of Kentucky began working collaboratively to address this issue. The Registry has continued to highlight the need for intervention and monitor progress. In partnership with state and regional comprehensive cancer control programs (Kentucky Cancer Consortium and Kentucky Cancer Program), Kentucky has reduced the burden of colorectal cancer significantly. The percentage of eligible Kentuckians who were screened with sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy rose from 34.7% in 1999 to 63.7% in 2008. Colorectal cancer incidence among men and women combined fell from 68.5 per 100,000 population in 2001 to 57.1 per 100,000 population in 2006, and deaths fell from 22.4 to 18.9 per 100,000 during the same time period.*

Using registry data to focus on colorectal cancer has resulted in fewer Kentuckians being diagnosed with and dying from the disease. In addition, this success provides opportunities to address other cancer priorities areas using cancer registry data.

Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP)

Launched in 2009, the CRCCP provides funding to 25 states and 4 tribes across the United States to increase colorectal (colon) cancer screening rates among men and women aged 50 years and older. An increase in screening rates will reduce illness and death from colorectal cancer.

Maryland: Educating Medicaid Recipients About Colorectal Cancer Screening


Katie Couric Postcard  [PDF-740 KB]


Terrence Howard Postcard  [PDF-1.4MB]

The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP) is partnering with their state Medicaid Office to offer screening education to Medicaid recipients. They plan to print and mail 60,000 postcards to the age-eligible Medicaid population in select cities in December 2010. These postcards will have the appropriate health care provider customer service number to make an appointment for colorectal cancer screening. They are customized from CDC's Screen for Life campaignwith Katie Couric or Terrence Howard. After testing the postcard content with three local health departments, it was determined that diverse audiences were receptive to either postcard.

The DHMH is providing the managed care organizations with lists of all their Medicaid patients who are receiving this mailing. In addition, a resource Web portal has been created for providers which includes tools such as the American Cancer Society's Provider Toolkit. The project will be evaluated via monthly Web monitoring and follow-up surveys with providers in the spring of 2011.

*Note: These statistics were provided by the state of Kentucky and may not match those published in the United States Cancer Statistics: Incidence and Mortality Web-based Report.