Cancer Plan FAQ
Why does South Carolina need a Cancer Plan?
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in South Carolina. This year alone, over 21,000 people in our state will be told that they have been diagnosed with cancer (ACS, 2005a). Yet even in light of these grim statistics, there is cause for hope. Over the past three decades, the number of cancer survivors in the United States has more than tripled, from three million survivors in 1971 to almost ten million survivors in 2001. Today, more than half of all people diagnosed with cancer are expected to live at least five years after diagnosis. Yet despite these advances, there are still thousands of people every year who fall through the gaps in cancer prevention, detection and care.
What is the purpose of the South Carolina Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan (SC Cancer Plan)?
To coordinate and promote partnerships and collaborations to address cancer prevention and control strategies that will reduce the impact of cancer on all South Carolinians.
What are the goals of the SC Cancer Plan?
- Reduce the number of new cases of cancer.
- Reduce deaths attributable to cancer.
- Improve the quality of life of those living with cancer and their families/caregivers.
- Eliminate and/or reduce health disparities attributable to cancer.
- Improve access to and provision of quality cancer care.
How was the SC Cancer Plan developed?
In May 2003, five SCCA task forces (Advocacy/Policy, Early Detection, Patient Care, Prevention, and Research) began to organize planning committees to work on sections of the comprehensive cancer plan. At the same time, the SCCA and DHEC organized a Core Planning Team (CPT) to oversee the completion of the cancer plan. Early in the process, consumer representatives were invited to ensure additional community input. Three special work groups were also created to address overarching and emerging issues – Survivor/Family Issues, Health Disparities, and Genetics. In 2005, the Survivor and Family work group was designated as a task force.
The SCCA task force subcommittees and workgroups (Health Disparities and Genetics) worked throughout the rest of 2003 and 2004 to draft objectives and strategies for the plan. These objectives were based on the most current research available, including data from the SC Central Cancer Registry and the SC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Strategies were reviewed in light of best and promising practices and those adopted ensured that diverse populations are addressed.
By December 2004, work on the mission, goals, objectives, and strategies for the SC Cancer Plan was completed. At that time, six regional meetings were held to review the plan with community leaders and citizens. Additional input was obtained and the final draft sections were shared with the SCCA at their quarterly meeting in January 2005.
Who worked on the SC Cancer Plan?
The SC Cancer Plan was made possible by the work of dedicated individuals who volunteered their knowledge, their energy, and their time to promote an integrated and comprehensive approach to cancer prevention and control. The sections in this plan were written by teams from each the six South Carolina Cancer Alliance (SCCA) Task Forces. Additionally, two special work groups on health disparities and genetics addressed those issues. This process resulted in broad member input and opportunities for diverse points of view to be aired and included. In addition, six community forums were held around the state to gain input from local community leaders and to learn how the plan could be implemented at the local level. This was truly an inclusive process involving input from literally hundreds of South Carolinians.
A core planning team guided the process of completing the plan and provided general direction in completing time lines and reviewing progress. The core planning team was organized by the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), which provided staff support. Funding was provided through support from the state of South Carolina and federal funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Comprehensive Cancer Control Program.
What are the initial priorities?
The SC Cancer Plan is organized into two main sections: Overarching Issues and Core Public Health Issues.
Overarching Issues include Health Disparities, Advocacy and Policy, Research, and Genetics. These areas will be integrated into every aspect of comprehensive cancer planning and set the course for achieving the priorities in this plan.
Core Public Health Issues encompass Prevention, Detection, and Patient Care, which are all fundamental to the implementation and success of this plan. Survivor and Family Issues are also highlighted, in recognition of the multi-faceted issues that face cancer survivors and their families.
How do I get a copy of the SC Cancer Plan?
View or download a copy of the SC Cancer Plan online. To receive a printed copy or CD of the SC Cancer Plan, call toll free 1-866-745-5680, e-mail info@sccanceralliance.org, mail a letter to SCCA, PO Box 2722, Columbia, SC 29202, or visit our website www.sccanceralliance.org.
The plan will be posted on the SCCA web site (http://www.sccanceralliance.org/) and will be updated as objectives are met and/or revised, best practices evolve, and new research emerges.