Why is Comprehensive Cancer Control Important?

Almost everyone in Idaho has been touched by cancer. Every day, 75 of our mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, children or close friends are diagnosed with cancer. During those same 24 hours, 29 die because of cancer-related illnesses.

Comprehensive cancer control is based on the idea that people working together to identify problems and develop solutions will lead to better use of limited resources and better overall outcomes. Here are other reasons why comprehensive cancer control is needed:

• No one can do it alone. No single organization or agency can solve all of the cancer prevention and control problems in Idaho. A cooperative approach will lead to increased capacity through sharing of resources, more efficient and effective use of existing resources, and generation of new resources through new partnerships.
• Significant gaps exist. There are gaps in what is currently known and what is currently being done to solve cancer problems. Awareness of current cancer care services and resources can be improved. Access to and availability of quality cancer care varies across the state. A cooperative approach will lead to better coordination and more efficiency in cancer prevention and control efforts.
• Significant disparities exist. The impact of cancer is greater on some people than others. Coordination and integration of statewide efforts will help ensure that underserved populations are not overlooked.
• We haven't won yet. Overall rates of new cancer cases and cancer deaths have been declining. However, as the population of Idaho ages, the number of new cases and deaths are expected to increase. Comprehensive cancer control will continue to identify state needs and target solutions to identified priorities.