Texas Cancer Plan: 19-year report card

Abstract

6108 Background: In the 1980s, the Texas State Health Department projected that between 1986 and 2000 the number of new cancer cases in Texas would increase by more than 85%. In 1986 the Legislature responded by creating the Texas Cancer Council (TCC) to implement and administer the statewide cancer reduction program. Funding came from tax dollars. Existing state, private and voluntary organizations served as the building blocks to implement the programs through competitive grants. The objective of this study is to evaluate results of the cancer plan on state cancer burden. Methods: TCC databases, funded projects and publications were researched and analyzed. Incidence and mortality data were obtained from the Texas Cancer Registry. Results: Between 1986 and 2004, TCC funded 570 cancer project years focusing on public and professional education, screening, resource development and data collection. It produced original and 3 updates of the Comprehensive Cancer and 4 Specific Cancer Targeted Action Plans. Major targets were un- and underinsured, minorities and rural population (groups traditionally bypassed by preventive care) in all regions of the state. Age-adjusted cancer mortality between 1992–2001 showed greater all cancer reduction in men (M) then women (W) 12% and 8% respectively and it varied by race. Lung, prostate and colon cancer (Ca) mortality was reduced in men 18, 25 and 18 percent, respectively. In women reduction was seen in colon and breast Ca mortality (13% and 15%), but lung Ca mortality increased. Both, in men and women rectal cancer mortality increased. Data for other cancers were analyzed Conclusion: This seems to be an effective model for coordinated and cooperative public, private and volunteer organizations efforts toward reducing the cancer burden. No significant financial relationships to disclose.