Cancer Control Plan update launches with event in Macon

5/14/2013

On April 26, the Georgia Cancer Control Consortium (GC3) launched the newly revised Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan for 2013 – 2018 at an event in Macon. The Georgia Department of Health receives funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of the national Comprehensive Cancer Control Program. Cancer Control is aimed at reducing cancer related morbidity and mortality through a collaborative process where resources are pooled to promote cancer prevention, improve cancer detection, increase access to health and social services, and reduce the burden of cancer. “Because of the commitment of cancer care professionals all over the state who have volunteered their time, Georgia has made measurable progress in cancer control over the past five years, even in the face of challenging economic times,” said Angie Patterson, co-chair of the GC3 Steering Committee, Georgia CORE Director and 12 year cancer survivor. More than 50 key stakeholders from the public and private sectors attended the event and more than 80 have committed to be a part of the Work Group structure that will have oversight responsibility for the implementation of the plan through 2018. “The plan update launch was a chance to reflect on our progress, but also prepare for the additional work to be done if we are to see significant reductions in the burden and prevalence of cancer in our lifetime,” said Dr. Jim Hotz, co-chair of the GC3 Steering Committee, primary care physician in Albany, Ga. and President of the Council of Georgia’s Regional Cancer Coalitions. Chris Parker, Associate Project Director from the Georgia Health Policy Center at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies has facilitated Georgia’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Program since 2006. If you are interested in participating in one of the working groups – Prevention & Education; Early Detection & Screening; Diagnosis, Staging & Treatment; Palliative Care; or Survivorship, please Click here to email Kimberly Bass