Task Force Objectives

• Evaluate current trends in cancer incidence, morbidity and mortality, screening, diagnosis, and behaviors that increase risk.
  
  
• Evaluate historic, current and emerging cancer control strategies.
  
  
• Establish cancer reduction goals, which shall seek to reduce mortality rates for breast, cervical, prostate, lung and colorectal cancer.
  
  
• Establish specific goals for:
  • Reducing behavior that increases the risk of cancer, including behavior related to smoking and diet.
  • Reversing the present trend of annual increases in the rate of invasive melanoma.
  • Closing the gap in cancer mortality rates between the total population and minorities.
  • Increasing the use of screening tests for cancer, especially among elderly and minority populations.
  • Increasing the percentage of cancers diagnosed at early stages.
  • Expanding use of quality multi-disciplinary oncologic care.
  • Increasing awareness of palliative care.
  • Addressing quality of life from a patient perspective.
  
  
  
• Develop an integrated set of priority strategies that are necessary to achieve the goals.
  
  
• Delineate the respective roles and responsibilities for the State and each of its Partners in implementing the priority strategies identified.
  
  
• Report to the Governor, the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services and the Legislature on its findings, recommendations and activities at least biennially.
  
  
  Reference: Public Law 2005, Chapter 280
  
  Last updated:  04/22/08