Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in Missouri following heart disease. In 2019, 12,836 Missouri residents died from cancer, accounting for 21% percent of all deaths in the state. While the public health needs of the entire population are addressed via DP22-2202, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has selected priority populations for targeted investments with programs and surveillance: minorities, particularly African Americans; individuals living at or below the federal poverty level; those living in rural areas; and the uninsured/underinsured. Working in collaboration with many partners to advance health equity, the proposed activities aim to:
1. Reduce cancer risk.
2. Increase quality of life among cancer survivors.
3. Decrease cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality.
4. Reduce cancer disparities.
5. Support infrastructure for surveillance.
Three affiliated organizations coordinate activities funded by DP22-2202: Missouri Comprehensive Cancer and Control Program (MCCCP), Missouri Cancer Registry (MCR), and Show Me Healthy Women (SMHW). Informed by surveillance and evaluation data, the MCCCP and its coalition design and implement evidence-based interventions to statewide and targeted populations/geographic areas. The plans and interventions promote prevention behaviors, increase access to care, and address social determinants of health. The MCR continues its five decades of recognized excellent service to the state and nation by expanding capacity for electronic reporting and assuring national registry standards for data quality, completeness, and timeliness. The Missouri Cancer Registry earned gold certification over the last 15 years from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries and was recognized as a CDC National Program (NPCR) Registry of Distinction in 2020. The SMHW, a statewide breast and cervical cancer screening program, provides access to navigation, screening and diagnostic services and assures access to quality medical care for treatment. The DHSS’s robust capacity for evaluation is made possible by many partners that contribute data and collaborate to prioritize activities for MCCCP, MCR, and SMHW. Evaluation projects are designed to satisfy funder requirements and contribute directly to continuous quality improvement. An experienced leadership team brings expertise in cancer prevention, screening, treatment, survivorship, and public health program management to support partnership development and operations.