Cancer Prevention and Control Program

Cancer Prevention and Control Program

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the CPCP is to reduce the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of cancer through prevention, early detection, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliation by working with partners across the state.

CANCER PREVENTION AND CONTROL PROJECT (CPCP)

Welcome to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Comprehensive Cancer Prevention and Control Project (CPCP) web site. This project is funded by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as part of the National Comprehensive Cancer Prevention and Control Program.

History
In January 1998, the VDH identified the need to address cancer as a public health issue and established the Cancer Control Project. In November 1998, with the creation of the Cancer Plan Advisory committee, (2003, name changed to Cancer Plan Action Coalition, CPAC) VDH spearheaded the development of a
state cancer plan for the prevention and control of cancer. In 2000, the Virginia Cancer Plan (VCP) for 2001-2005, a guide outlining the state's goals and strategies for all areas of comprehensive cancer control, was developed. In 2004, an addendum with baseline data and measurable objectives was developed. The VCP contains 18 goals with associated objectives, 70 recommendations and over 150 strategies.

Overview of Cancer
Cancer is not a single disease, but actually represents more than 100 distinct diseases. Cancer is the leading cause of death for people under age 65 in Virginia. Between 2001 and 2005, over 154,000 cases of cancer were diagnosed in Virginia, and over 67,000 people in Virginia died from cancer. In Virginia, an estimated 35,590 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed, and 13,990 deaths will occur in 2008. For more data on cancer in Virginia, visit the Virginia Cancer Registry and the Virginia Division of Health Statistics. In 2006, there were 25,911 hospitalizations due to cancer (as a primary diagnosis) in Virginia, at a cost of nearly $939 million.

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