Arkansas Cancer Plan

Cancer is a devastating disease – in fact it is a group of 100 different diseases. The most common cancers in Arkansas are lung, prostate, breast, colorectal, and skin. One in every two men and one in every three women in Arkansas will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. The impact on cancer patients, on their families, and on their communities is immeasurable. The economic, psychological and social costs are staggering.

Recognizing the need to dramatically impact the cancer burden, the Arkansas Cancer Coalition has updated the Arkansas Cancer Plan. The new plan reflects emerging needs, new issues in cancer prevention, detection and care, and an enhanced understanding of the process. This understanding has been gained from years of experience working with stakeholder organizations in the state.

After many months of discussion, review of the science, and reflection on past successes, it remains clear that the burden of cancer in Arkansas can be dramatically reduced if evidence-based practices in prevention, early detection, and care are made available to all Arkansans. Thus, the goal of the Arkansas Cancer Plan is to coordinate and advance specific, proven cancer control strategies across the state by putting into practice, goals and objectives in the following areas:

  • Prevention
  • Screening and Detection
  • Treatment
  • Cancer Disparities
  • Clinical Trials
  • Healthcare Workforce Development
  • Survivorship
  • Palliative Care
  • Professional Education
  • Surveillance and Reporting
  • Evaluation

The purpose of the Arkansas Cancer Plan is to serve as an outline for what can and should be done at the state and local levels for cancer prevention, detection, and care efforts in Arkansas. It identifies activities for coordinated action by government, the private sector, the non-profit sector, Arkansas’ communities and people. This Plan is a living document – published in a loose-leaf binder for easy updating, and will serve as a guide for individuals and organizations in the fight against cancer.

Click here to download a pdf of the Arkansas Cancer Plan.