Non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and stroke have been the top leading causes of death in Guam for many decades. In 2017, these diseases accounted for more than 50% of all deaths in Guam. In the same year, cancer continues to be the second leading cause of death in Guam making it one of the most formidable health burdens in our community. According to the Guam Cancer Fact and Figures 2008-2012, on average, 1 Guamanian is diagnosed with cancer each day, while 1 Guamanian dies of cancer every 2.5 days. Data indicate that the cancer burden in Guam is rising. Both cancer incidence and mortality have increased over three time periods (1998-2002, 2003- 2007, and 2008- 2012).
There were 298 new cases of breast cancer and 130 new cancer cases of cervical cancer in Guam, according to the Guam Cancer Facts and Figure 2008-2012. The burden of cancer is aggravated by challenges such as limited treatment options and the high costs associated with off-island care. As breast and cervical cancer are the second and fifth leading causes of cancer-associated deaths in Guam respectively, the need for early detection of breast and cervical cancer is a recognized primary necessity on island. As an emergent problem among women 25 years and older, the number of women who have succumbed to breast cancer and cervical is steadily increasing.
The purpose of the Guam Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (GBCCEDP) is to enhance existing systems for breast and cervical cancer screening, follow-up, and support services for low-income populations with special emphasis on uninsured or underinsured women who experience high incidence and mortality rates, and late-stage diagnosis. This will be done by providing accessible and timely screening and diagnostic services to include case management for follow-up of abnormal results; treatment referral for women diagnosed with breast and cervical cancer; collaboration and partnership; collection and surveillance of population-level data for decision making; community clinical linkage to aid patient support and address social health determinants; and implementation of health systems evidence-based interventions.
The purpose of the Guam Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (GCCCP) is to provide a comprehensive and coordinated approach to address Guam’s cancer burden by collaborating with the Guam Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, Guam Cancer Registry, Guam Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition (Guam Cancer Coalition) and various local, regional and national partners in identifying and implementing priorities and evidenced based strategies focusing on prevention; support early detection, screening and treatment efforts; address cancer survivorship and quality of life of cancer survivors, policy and advocacy, data and surveillance, and promote health equity. GCCCP aims to maximize and leverage limited resources and increase public health impact by eliminating duplication of efforts, strengthening partnerships and collaborations, and implementing evidenced based strategies and interventions.
The cancer burden described is truly a pressing health issue that must be systematically addressed. The continuation of both the GBCCEDP and GCCCP through this funding opportunity is significant due to increasing new cancer cases, increasing cancer mortality rates, increasing rates of co-morbid risk factors such as obesity, and poor cancer screening rates. These have burdened our healthcare system, increased healthcare costs, and have caused difficulties and hardships to individuals and families in Guam.