Read the executive summary for the plan below, and follow the link for the full document:

The Tennessee Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan provides a roadmap for the activities of the Tennessee Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition (TCCCC) through the years 2009-2012. The Plan incorporates broad goals that will be implemented by members of five regional coalitions and twelve state-wide committees. The work plan is prepared annually using the framework of the Plan to prioritize the work and establish measurable outcomes for evaluation.

The Plan begins with a call to action from Phil Bredesen, Governor of Tennessee, and Susan Cooper, MSN, RN, Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Health. The call to action builds on the previous work of the coalition summarized in Cancer Plan Progress, 2005-2008. The incidence and mortality data used in this Plan are from Burden of Cancer in Tennessee, a report published by the Office of Cancer Surveillance in December 2007.

Following the call to action, a goal summary is listed which includes sixteen goals representing the scope of the Plan. Added to this Plan are specific goals that have been identified for the continuum of cancer care, including primary prevention, early detection, treatment and care, survivorship, and palliative care.

The overarching issues of cancer disparities, health literacy, surveillance, and lifestyle and environment that were identified in the 2005-2008 Plan remain in the 2009-2012 Plan. Goals for two other issues, clinical trials and advocacy, have been added to this Plan. This Plan also continues to identify specific cancers that can be impacted by prevention and screening efforts. There are goals, objectives, and strategies to address tobacco related cancers, women’s cancers, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer and melanoma, and childhood cancers.

An additional priority for the 2009-2012 Plan is to establish sustainability for the TCCCC. This will be accomplished by working with state legislators and the Commissioner of Health to fund TCCCC initiatives.

Readers are invited to view the tear out on pages 15-16 to learn how they can participate in the coalition and plan implementation. A membership form is also included.

This Plan is provided to the citizens of Tennessee as a comprehensive strategy to reduce the burden of cancer in Tennessee.