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Developing a Plan for Action
DCC began meeting in April 2001 with the shared understanding that its work would be focused on developing a clear and useable cancer control plan. Another shared priority was that extensive input would be needed from professionals in cancer-control, as well as from Delaware citizens affected by cancer. With these priorities in mind, DCC worked on a system to create a shared awareness and agreement on the range of cancer-control issues to be addressed now and in the future. It also wanted to create a structure and agenda for addressing these needs and enable Delaware to move forward with meaningful action for its citizens.7
To accomplish these goals, DCC heard from speakers on Delaware cancer statistics, including Dr. Jon Kerner from the National Cancer Institute, and began monthly presentations featuring Delaware cancer survivors or family members who had lost a loved one to cancer. They provided valuable insight into some of the concerns and barriers faced by people battling cancer, the stress this disease places on all aspects of their lives, and ideas for ways Delaware can help ease these burdens on its citizens.7
Involving the Public: Concept Mapping
A unique project, called Concept Mapping, was also initiated to get input on cancer issues from Delaware citizens and help DCC establish priorities and its scope of work. DCC invited more than 195 Delaware citizens who are living with the disease or have experienced its devastation to participate in the project.7,8
Both DCC and those invited completed the brainstorming phase, during which they provided their ideas on completing the statement: “A specific issue that needs to be addressed in comprehensive cancer control in Delaware is….” Over 500 statements were submitted, and editing to avoid duplication resulted in 118 unique ideas about controlling cancer in Delaware. These ideas were then rated, relative to one another, on importance and feasibility.7
Development of Subcommittees and Recommendations
From the results of the Concept Mapping activity and the numerous speakers, DCC developed a clear set of priorities and established six subcommittees to address these issues. Each subcommittee, chaired by a member of DCC, was provided with a list of priorities in its focus area, from which specific recommendations were developed. The subcommittees meet regularly to address each specific goal and implement the work that is needed to succeed.
Next Steps
Former Governor Minner says the next four-year plan, which was released in August 2007, strives toward new goals to further reduce cancer incidence and mortality rates in the First State. Already, the cancer incidence rate has decreased four times as much as the nation’s rate, and the cancer death rate has declined twice as much as the national average. Borrowing on those successes, the governor sought to expand the outreach and identify new preventive strategies.9 William Bowser, Chairman of DCC, says the task force will continue to work with healthcare professionals, legislators, and the community to ensure that all Delawareans have access to the services they need to lower their cancer risks.10
7Year Three Progress Report, page 64.
8Recommendations of the Delaware Advisory Council on Cancer Incidence and Mortality APRIL 2002: www.delawarecancerconsortium.org/adx/aspx/adxGetMedia.aspx?DocID=409,466,9,5,1,Documents&MediaID=1120&
Filename=DCC_Task_Force_Report_2002.pdf
9Purple Book 12/26: www.delawarecancerconsortium.org/adx/aspx/adxGetMedia.aspx?DocID=465,467,9,5,1,Documents&MediaID=1218&
Filename=PurpleBook_12.26.pdf
10Delaware Cancer Consortium Issues Third Progress Report: www.dhss.delaware.gov/dph/dpc/consortium.html
