Prevention and Early Detection Goal

Goal: Reduce cancer morbidity and mortality by increasing awareness and screening rates for those cancers where evidence-based guidelines exist.

Co-Chairs
Dr. Lynn Butterly, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Karen Bugler, NH Dept. of Health & Human Services

People can reduce their risk of getting some cancers by following recommended screening guidelines. Screenings can find cancers at an early stage, which can increase the available treatment options and decrease mortality rates for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers. Colorectal and cervical cancer screening can find changes early and prevent cancer from developing. No matter the type of cancer, it is critical that the unequal cancer burden among minorities and underserved populations be addressed. The NH CCC has identified target populations to help eliminate health disparities in the state.

The Prevention and Early Detection work group focuses its efforts on:

• Colorectal cancer- screen 80% of New Hampshire residents who are 50 and older.
• Breast cancer- improve breast cancer screening rates to increase early-stage diagnoses and reduce mortality.
• Cervical cancer- increase the number of New Hampshire women who report receiving a Pap test.
• Prostate cancer- encourage shared decision making between men and their health care providers.

Six objectives have been identified in the NH Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan to guide prevention and early detection activities.