Success Stories

Comprehensive cancer control programs are working in communities across the nation to promote healthy lifestyles, support recommended cancer screenings, educate people about cancer symptoms, increase access to quality cancer care, and enhance cancer survivors’ quality of life. These stories illustrate the strength of comprehensive cancer control and highlight some of the extraordinary work NCCCP-funded programs have done in collaboration with their community partners. We hope they inspire readers and spark new ideas to continue the mission of CDC’s National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program.

Schenectady County Workers Get More Recommended Cancer Screenings after Leave Expansion

The Schenectady County Public Health Services (SCPHS) educated county government decision-makers about the potential benefits of increasing access to recommended cancer screenings. Effective January 2015, a resolution granted Schenectady County municipal employees an additional four hours of paid leave per year to undergo any type of cancer screening.

Burleigh County Pilots Treadmill Desk to Increase Employees’ Physical Activity

Burleigh County installed a treadmill desk for sedentary employees without access to its wellness program. Their average number of steps increased from 1,634 steps per shift at baseline to 7,190 steps 1 year after the pilot ended.

Collaboration Leads to a Safer, Tobacco-Free Arkansas State Fair

In 2015, the Arkansas Cancer Coalition (ACC) worked with state fair officials to develop a policy to prohibit tobacco use during the fair in an effort to protect patrons. Fairgrounds are now tobacco-and nicotine-free environments all year.

Complete Streets Initiative Addresses Physical Activity and Obesity in Louisiana

In June 2017, Lake Charles City Council successfully implemented Complete Streets, an initiative that increases access to places for physical activity by using multiple strategies to make a community more walkable or bikeable. Lake Charles now has 6 miles of bike paths and plans to add pedestrian-friendly crosswalks and sidewalks.

South Dakota Outdoor Workers Practice Sun Safety to Prevent Skin Cancer

The South Dakota Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (SDCCCP) and the South Dakota WorkWell Partnership worked with the City of Huron and Rapid City Aquatics to implement a program to provide sun safety education and resources to 450 employees. In 2017, the program expanded to include all outdoor staff of the City of Britton.

“The Cancer You Can Prevent” Campaign Increases Colorectal Cancer Screening

Since 2010, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) promoted a media campaign through tailored messaging. Now in its sixth year, “The Cancer You Can Prevent” campaign focuses on increasing colorectal cancer screening in African American, Native American, and Latino communities. Findings indicate that these communities are more receptive to CRC screening messages delivered by someone they know and trust.

More Success Stories

More examples of comprehensive cancer control in action.