What Is Comprehensive Cancer Control?

Comprehensive cancer control (CCC) is a process through which communities and partner organizations pool resources to reduce the burden of cancer. These combined efforts help to—

• Reduce cancer risk.
• Find cancers sooner.
• Make treatments better.
• Increase the number of people who survive cancer.

CDC started the National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP) to help states, tribes, and territories form coalitions, also called programs, to fight cancer. These coalitions collect data to determine the greatest cancer-related needs in their area, and develop and carry out CCC plans to meet those needs. The CCC plans include activities that—

• Encourage people to live a healthy lifestyle.
• Promote cancer screening tests.
• Increase access to good cancer care.
• Improve the quality of life for people who survive cancer.

Principles of Comprehensive Cancer Control

Comprehensive cancer control is based on the following principles—

• Scientific research guides the decision on which steps to take first.
• The full scope of cancer care is addressed, from prevention to early detection and treatment to end-of-life issues.
• Many people are involved, including doctors, public health personnel, non-profit organizations, insurance companies, businesses, cancer survivors, government agencies, colleges and universities, and advocates.
• Experts in many areas work together, including specialists in administration, basic and applied research, evaluation, health education, program development, public policy, public health surveillance, clinical services, and health communication.

For more information, visit NCCCP Research or contact your local CCC program.