NC Advisory Committee on Cancer Coordination and Control

The North Carolina Advisory Committee on Cancer Coordination and Control (ACCCC) is a legislatively mandated committee comprised of 34 members, including but not limited to representatives from:

  • Department of Health and Human Services
  • Department of Public Instruction
  • NC legislature
  • NC medical schools
  • Cancer Committee of the NC Medical Society
  • Old North State Medical Society
  • NC Hospital Association
  • NC Association of Local Health Directors
  • Medical Directors of the NC Association of Health Plans
  • Clinicians
  • Cancer survivors

The ACCCC meets twice a year. Members serve a four-year term.

Mission

The mission of the Advisory Committee is to facilitate the reduction of cancer incidence and mortality for all North Carolinians, enhance statewide access to quality treatment and support services, and maximize quality of life for all North Carolina cancer survivors, patients, and their loved ones through educating and advising government officials, policy makers, public and private organizations, and the public.

Advisory Committee Resources

Subcommittees

Each subcommittee develops and implements strategies to address the six NC priority cancers (breast, cervical colorectal, lung, prostate, melanoma and non-melanoma skin) in the NC Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan 2014-2020: A Call to Action (State Cancer Plan). The overarching purpose of the Cancer Plan is to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with cancer in our state. 

Prevention

The Prevention Subcommittee promotes healthy behaviors and environments that reduce the risk of developing cancer. Areas include, but are not limited to: 

  • Appropriate cancer screenings,
  • Nutrition,
  • Physical activity,
  • Tobacco use,
  • Secondhand smoke exposure,
  • Radon testing and mitigation,
  • Ultraviolet radiation,
  • Chemotherapy,
  • Prevention, and
  • Genetic testing.

Early Detection

The Early Detection Subcommittee works to expand the use of proven cancer-related early detection modalities and appropriate follow-up abnormalities. Areas include, but are not limited to: 

  • Cancer screenings,
  • Follow-up for screenings,
  • Access to screenings, and
  • High-risk individuals.

Care and Treatment

The Care and Treatment Subcommittee address a continuum of services from cancer diagnosis to treatment, care, survivorship, and palliative care. Areas include, but are not limited to: Identify and reduce financial, geographic, and other barriers to cancer diagnosis, treatment, and heath care services, as well as pain control, patient navigation, and survivorship.

Evaluation, Surveillance and Research

The Evaluation, Surveillance and Research Subcommittee reviews and monitors the effectiveness of NC ACCCC projects in meeting the goals and objectives of the State Cancer Plan. These committee members are placed in the other subcommittees to provide technical assistance and consultation to evaluate strategies implemented by the subcommittees. There is evaluation of partners activities and participation. Additionally, there is surveillance in the monitoring and review of the data regarding the health of the populations. The committee members research and provide data for the State Cancer Plan and State Cancer Burden document.

Legislation and Education

The Legislation and Education Subcommittee is made up of legislators and Advisory Committee members who assist in providing guidance and support in obtaining policy/legislation passage and funding for cancer control in North Carolina. Members support legislation that promotes and/or funds cancer prevention, screening and control. Additionally, members review current best science and practices to prepare appropriate cancer screening position statements and present proposals to the Advisory Committee for approval.