Oregon
A Statewide Call to Action Stimulates Interest in Cancer Control Among Rural Communities
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Public Health Problem
Cancer has been the leading cause of death in Oregon since 2000. Some rural counties in Oregon have cancer incidence and death rates that are higher than corresponding statewide rates, or have cancer screening rates that are lower than corresponding statewide rates. Cancer
risk factors, such as smoking and obesity, are higher than the state average in some rural counties.
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Program Example
In March 2004, the Oregon Partnership for Cancer
Control issued Cancer in Oregon: A Call to Action. This document discussed the need for a comprehensive cancer control plan for Oregon,
and called on Oregonians to get involved in helping to develop this plan. This appeal resulted in local communities creating forums to promote discussion about local needs and resources relating to cancer control, and about the impact of cancer on their communities.
Over a 2-month period, three rural communities held six forums attended by about 115 persons. These forums, which were convened by local cancer programs and public health departments,
introduced the comprehensive cancer control planning process to the community. Participants
included local residents, health care providers, allied health representatives, cancer survivors, and family caregivers. County and state-level data were shared, including demographic
and unemployment statistics, cancer incidence and mortality data, cancer screening rates, and data relating to tobacco use, obesity, and other risk factors for cancer.
The Klamath Falls community created a cancer resource panel to appear in a live broadcast on a local cable television station. Among the panelists were representatives of the American Cancer Society, a local cancer treatment center, area hospices, the public health department, and cancer survivors. A month later, this panel was recreated for a live community forum. A health care provider forum is being planned.
The Coos Bay community convened two forums,
a grand rounds event for local physicians, and a local cancer committee meeting. Media coverage included a local television news report
that encouraged community members to provide input for Oregon's first comprehensive cancer control plan. The Bend community convened
a community forum and a forum for area health care providers.
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Implication and Impact
The planning process initiated by the Oregon Partnership for Cancer Control has created new partnerships among local public health departments, hospital cancer programs, voluntary
agencies, and cancer survivors in rural as well as urban communities. In the three rural communities discussed above, residents have expressed appreciation for and new knowledge about existing cancer services and resources.
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Contact Information
Oregon Partnership for Cancer Control*
Oregon Department of Human Services
800 Northeast Oregon Street, Suite 730
Portland,
OR 97232
(503) 731-4273
Fax: (503) 731-4082
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