NCDHHS released five-year action plan to reduce cancer burden for North Carolinians

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The North Carolina Department of Public Health is out with a new, five-year action plan to reduce the burden of cancer.

Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in North Carolina. According to a news release, NC Cancer Action Plan will focus on reducing disparities among underserved and rural communities that experience higher rates of cancer, disability and death.

"The Cancer Plan is a vital tool in our fight against cancer," said Dr. Lawrence Greenblatt, State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer at NCDHHS. "It outlines clear strategies to reduce risk, improve early detection, and expand access to care. We urge communities across the state to use this plan to help save lives."

The plan's goals are to reduce cancer risks by supporting healthy behaviors for all North Carolinians:

• Increase cancer screening and early detection of cancer;
• Improve access to quality cancer treatment, enhance care coordination and increase supportive care
• Improve the knowledge and understanding of cancer, cancer care and the relationship between cancer and other chronic diseases among health care professionals and the public

It focuses on six cancers that have the greatest impact on the state, including lung, female breast, prostate, colorectal, melanoma skin and HPV-related cancers.

"Every North Carolinian deserves the opportunity to live a healthy life," said Dr. Kimberly McDonald, Chief of the Chronic Disease and Injury Section at NCDHHS. "That means investing in the conditions that drive health - like access to nutritious food and preventive care. The Cancer Plan supports this vision by promoting screenings, vaccinations and other early interventions that can prevent illness and save lives."

The plan was made possible through the NCDHHS Division of Public Health's Comprehensive Cancer Control Program and Cancer Prevention and Control Branch in partnership with the North Carolina Advisory Committee on Cancer Coordination and Control and the NC Cancer Leadership Team.

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