Gathering Data on Cancer Survivors

The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) provides state-specific benchmarks for cancer prevention (tobacco use, nutrition, physical activity, and weight gain as measured by obesity) and early detection (mammograms, Pap tests, and colorectal and prostate cancer screening tests). But little information has been gathered about cancer survivors. New questions on the 2009 BRFSS survey will help public health professionals determine cancer prevalence in their states.

BRFSS is the world's largest ongoing telephone health survey. It has tracked health conditions and risk behaviors in the United States yearly since 1984. On the 2009 survey (PDF-358KB), every respondent will be asked at least one of the following four new questions—

1. Have you ever been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health care professional that you had cancer?
2. [If yes] At what age were you told that you had cancer?
3. How many different types of cancer have you had?
4. [If one] What type of cancer was it?
   [Or if more than one] With your most recent diagnosis of cancer, what type of cancer was it?

In addition, states may choose to ask the questions on the Cancer Survivorship Module, which measures follow-up care (who is providing the care and where), treatment plans, and pain management.

Data collected from the survey will be used to describe the health behavior and health status of cancer survivors. This information will inform cancer control planning and implementation activities for cancer survivors at national and state levels.