|
In 1994 the Texas Department of Health became the first state agency in the nation to pilot Put Prevention Into Practice, a national, research-based public-private program to increase the appropriate use of clinical preventive services (e.g., screening, immunizations and counseling). TDH is currently the only state agency with hands-on experience in the actual implementation of the PPIP strategy. PPIP supports cancer risk assessment and screening for major cancers, including colorectal, and offers education about them. Services are offered through TDH’s regional clinics, local health departments, community health centers and family practice residency training programs.
The passage of the Texas Cancer Control Act in 1979 established cancer as a reportable disease in Texas. Amended in 1989, the law requires cancer incidence reporting by all hospitals, clinical laboratories and cancer treatment centers in Texas. The Texas Cancer Registry collects, analyzes and disseminates these data. TCR data are used by health researchers, policy planners and private citizens interested in cancer control issues, including the evaluation of cancer prevention and control activities and assessment of need and location of healthcare delivery systems. TCR data lead to improved care for cancer patients by providing hospitals with statistical information that may be used in case management, treatment evaluation and resource planning.
The Texas Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, initiated in 1987, is a federally funded ongoing telephone survey of randomly selected adult Texans designed to collect data on lifestyle risk factors contributing to the leading causes of death and chronic diseases. Sample sizes for Texas were increased in the 1999 survey from 1,500 to 5,000. Rotating core questions relating to colorectal cancer screening were included in 1995, 1997 and 1999, and the 2001 survey will be redesigned to expand on the data collected in this area. Because the BRFSS is nationwide, comparisons can be made between Texas and other states and between Texas and the national average.
The Comprehensive Cancer Control Program is funded by the national Centers for Disease Prevention and Control and is collaboratively administered with the Texas Cancer Council. The goals of the program are to 1) improve and expand collaborative efforts already in place among the different groups working in cancer control in Texas; 2) increase the use of the Texas Cancer Plan as the statewide document directing cancer control efforts; 3) develop a process for prioritizing the Texas Cancer Plan; and 4) disseminate information available to local communities and provide technical assistance to communities working on local cancer control efforts.
Contact:
Texas Department of Health
|