KDHE
TOPEKA – More than 13,000 Kansans are diagnosed with cancer each year, and approximately 5,300 die from the disease. In fact, cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the state. To address cancer-related issues across the state, the Kansas Cancer Partnership (KCP) announces availability of the Kansas Cancer Prevention and Control Plan 2017-2021 and its companion document, Burden of Cancer in Kansas 2017. Both documents are posted on the new KCP website, www.KSCancerPartnership.org.
“KCP is a coalition of dynamic individuals and organizations from across the state,” said Gary Doolittle, MD, University of Kansas Cancer Center. “KCP members are committed to reducing the burden of cancer in Kansas through evidence-based prevention, screening and survivorship interventions.”
Dr. Doolittle, who serves as KCP Chair, went on to describe the cancer plan as a road map for KCP to address issues across all cancers, while highlighting cancers with the highest incidence and mortality in Kansas. The plan presents methods to prevent cancer from occurring, diagnose cancer in its earliest stage when it is most easily treatable, and improve survivor quality of life during and after treatment. These goals will be accomplished through promotion of activities that increase healthy choices, cancer screening, access to care and health equity.
The burden report describes the current status of cancer incidence and mortality in Kansas, as well as associated risk and protective factors among Kansans. “The purpose of the report is to help guide cancer stakeholders at the state and local levels in their cancer prevention and control activities by identifying gaps and establishing baselines for planning and evaluation. Ryan Lester, Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Bureau of Health Promotion Director, explained. “Updates to this document will help identify areas where increased efforts are needed.”
The documents may be downloaded in full or in part from the website, which includes more information about KCP membership, regional coalitions and cancer-related resources. A limited quantity of hard copies of both the cancer plan and burden documents are available by request by emailing [email protected] or by calling 785-296-1207.