Combating Cancer Through Public Health Practice in the United States: An In-Depth Look at the National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program

Abstract

Cancer is the second leading cause of the death in the United States (U.S.). The National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP) is a national, public health practice program funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The NCCCP has been planning and implementing interventions to reduce the burden of cancer since 1998. Interventions are implemented across three areas primary prevention, early detection, and survivorship using health systems and environmental changes to promote sustainable cancer control. The aim of this chapter is to provide a summary of the NCCCP, and highlight specific examples of interventions and successes to aid cancer planning in other countries. Cancer plan analyses show that all NCCCP participant cancer plans address reducing tobacco use for cancer prevention and 98% contain activities to increase colorectal cancer screening. The vast majority implement activities to improve the quality of life following a cancer diagnosis (94%). Relatively fewer cancer plans contain activities to reduce radon exposure (42%), promote human papilloma virus vaccination (62%), and incorporate the use of genomics in cancer control (56%). The examples of NCCCP activities demonstrate success in controlling cancer and other non-communicable diseases through public health practice.

Knowledge, attitude, and behavioral intention about oral cancer among public health students in Southeast Georgia

“…Participants acknowledged the role of dentists in OC prevention, however, they agreed that the role of public health professionals in raising awareness about public health issues cannot be underestimated. 28,29 Public health professionals play a key role in health promotion and disease prevention. It is a nonclinical pillar of health care system, which focuses on social, environmental, and behavioral determinants of health problem.…”

“…Jenkins et al suggested culturally sensitive community based programs as an appropriate strategy for early detection of cancer. 33 Stewart et al (2018) summarized the National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP) efforts in combating cancer and highlighted the importance of multilevel collaboration to address barriers across cancer control continuum. 29 It implies that for an effective OC awareness intervention, public health professionals led multilevel efforts are necessary.…”

“…33 Stewart et al (2018) summarized the National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP) efforts in combating cancer and highlighted the importance of multilevel collaboration to address barriers across cancer control continuum. 29 It implies that for an effective OC awareness intervention, public health professionals led multilevel efforts are necessary. Participants in the current study also suggested collaboration between dentists and public health professionals to raise awareness about OC in the community.…”