New York State Cancer Consortium Unveils 2012-2017 Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan

ALBANY, N.Y. (December 19, 2012) – The New York State Cancer Consortium along with representatives of the State Department of Health (DOH), today unveiled the 2012-2017 Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan. The plan, compiled with input from hundreds of organizations and individuals, including DOH and the American Cancer Society, details the scope of the cancer burden in New York State and offers suggested strategies to reduce cancer rates and improve the quality of life of individuals and families affected by a cancer diagnosis.

"Cancer is the second leading cause of death in New York State," Commissioner Shah said. "In order to reduce the tremendous economic, health and personal burden of cancer, this plan outlines high impact interventions to prevent and control cancer. Collaboration between government, health care providers, advocacy groups and other stakeholders is essential to address the burden of cancer across the continuum of cancer care: from prevention and early detection to treatment and quality of life issues."

Approximately 109,000 cases of cancer are diagnosed among residents of New York State every year. More than 35,000 residents die every year, which is more than 95 people per day. The effects of cancer do not end with the last treatment. There are nearly 1 million cancer survivors in New York State who may face challenges, including those related to their physical and emotional health.

"This is a blueprint to beat cancer," said Donald Distasio, Executive Vice President, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network of NY & NJ. "The New York State Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan provides a guide that can be used by individuals, groups, coalitions, and, most importantly, by government to build strategies that will reduce the burden of cancer for New Yorkers. We are proud to have worked with the New York State Cancer Consortium and the New York State Department of Health on the plan and will work to ensure that the recommendations are implemented as quickly as possible."

The plan focuses on six priority areas: health promotion and cancer prevention; early detection; treatment; survivorship; palliative care; and the health care workforce. Each section contains background information, measurable objectives and suggested strategies to reduce the burden of cancer in New York State. A few recommended strategies from the plan include: endorsing policies and initiatives that support health-promoting behaviors; developing systems to address disparities related to cancer screening; encouraging oncology and inpatient programs to incorporate components of palliative care.

"The burden of cancer is high and this plan serves as a guide for individuals and organizations to change that," said Anita McFarlane, M.P.H., Director of Grants and Public Policy, Greater New York City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Co-Chair of the New York State Cancer Consortium. "No one organization can tackle cancer on its own; it's only through collaborations of this kind that we can really make a difference."

The New York State Cancer Consortium is a statewide network of individuals and organizations dedicated to addressing the burden of cancer in the state. The Consortium members work in communities across the State to implement the types of strategies described in the Plan. The Consortium will track progress, annually to monitor progress or to reprioritize activities as appropriate.

The first version of the New York State Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan covered the period from 2003 to 2010, providing a strategic plan for cancer control across New York. Although the rate of new cancer cases remained stable between 2005 and 2009, progress was made in preventing deaths from cancer.

The 2012-2017 Comprehensive Control Plan can be viewed at: http://www.nyscancerconsortium.org/cancer/cancer_index.aspx. For more information regarding the New York State Cancer Consortium please call 518-474-1222.