In 2001, an unprecedented partnership was initiated in Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania Department of Health to develop the Commonwealth’s first-ever comprehensive cancer control plan, a plan designed to make a real difference in the lives of all Pennsylvanians. Since then, more than 190 stakeholders representing the healthcare community, cancer research centers, academia, community organizations, advocacy groups, insurers, industry, and cancer survivors joined with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Division of the American Cancer Society (ACS) to form the Pennsylvania Cancer Control Consortium (PAC 3 ). PAC 3 has worked through a very deliberate process in an open dialogue among these stakeholders to assess the burden of cancer in Pennsylvania, identify issues that cut across all stages of cancer from its prevention to end-of-life, examine available resources and opportunities, and lay out a plan that represents a starting point for our work together. The work of PAC 3 members led to the creation of the Pennsylvania Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan.
The Pennsylvania Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan is a statewide blueprint for all sectors of Pennsylvania—public, academic, private, and volunteer, to work together to meet the growing challenge of cancer control. The Plan provides a clear, unifying vision of cancer related priorities and the steps that must be taken to reduce the impact of cancer on the people of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is a state fortunate to have a wealth of resources to meet the challenge. The focus and leadership developed by PAC 3 will be a powerful stimulus in forging public, academic, private, and volunteer partnerships as we move forward with the Plan’s implementation.
We want to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to the many people and organizations that so freely gave their time, talents, and energy with a commitment to work together to make this plan a reality. A special thank you to former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge who challenged all states through his work with the National Dialogue on Cancer to develop comprehensive cancer control plans and to our current Governor Edward G. Rendell for his continuing support of our efforts.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a very ambitious challenge – to eliminate suffering and death due to cancer by the year 2015 – and both ACS and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have adopted equally aggressive 2015 year challenge goals. While such goals may seem far-reaching, we are energized by the possibilities that lie ahead. We recognize that by working together throughout our state and across the nation, we can make a difference. We feel strongly that through continued and focused collaborations, Pennsylvania will distinguish itself among states as having the most effective cancer plan in the nation. We are determined and steadfast in this mission.
With the unparalleled spirit of cooperation and the PAC 3 structure, we have the power to marshal our existing strengths and resources to better address the cancer problem through innovative, research-based cancer prevention, diagnostic, and treatment strategies.
As you can see in this report, much work has been done to create the Pennsylvania Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan. The hardest work, however, lies ahead – combining our state’s talent, skills, and resources in collaboration with our national partners to implement the Plan. All Pennsylvanians have a role in this fight against cancer. You are urged to consider ways you or your organization can assist with the implementation of this Plan. Please visit http://www.pac3.org/ to join this collaborative effort or call the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 717-787-5251. We know that by working together, we can transform this vision into a reality.
We look forward to working with you to dramatically reduce the burden of cancer across the Commonwealth and throughout the nation.
