Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Idaho. This page highlights cancer in Idaho, including low screening rates, and shares information on prevention, early detection, and available resources.
Low Cancer Screening Rates in Idaho
Each year, more than 10,500 new cases of cancer are diagnosed in Idaho. An estimated 54,000 Idahoans are living with or have survived a cancer diagnosed within the past 10 years.*
Idaho has some of the lowest cancer screening rates in the nation. Regular, recommended cancer screenings can help detect certain cancers early, when treatment may be more effective.
Idaho's Cancer Screening Rank
Comprehensive Cancer Oncology Clinics
Cancer prevention
You can take steps to lower your cancer risk and improve your chances of early detection.
Ask your healthcare provider which cancer screenings are right for you:
- Breast cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Lung cancer (for eligible individuals)
Get recommended vaccines:
- HPV (helps prevent cervical and other cancers)
- Hepatitis B (helps prevent liver cancer)
Make healthy lifestyle choices:
- Stay active
- Eat healthy foods
- Don't use tobacco
- Drink less alcohol
- Protect your skin from the sun
Want more information about cancer prevention, screenings, and staying healthy after a diagnosis? Visit:
- American Cancer Society: Information about cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and survivorship.
- CDC: Information about cancer prevention, screening, and risk reduction.
- Comprehensive Cancer Alliance for Idaho: Idaho-specific cancer prevention priorities, survivorship resources, and opportunities to get involved.
About the Comprehensive Cancer Control Program
Idaho's Comprehensive Cancer Control Program works with healthcare providers, public health districts, and community partners to reduce the burden of cancer in Idaho. Together, we work to:
- Lower cancer risk
- Help find cancer earlier
- Improve access to quality cancer care
- Support cancer survivors
- Improve quality of life for people affected by cancer
Since 2005, the program has worked with partners across Idaho to support cancer prevention, early detection, and survivorship. These efforts are guided by the 2026–2030 Idaho Cancer Plan.
Funding opportunity: Survivorship screening and referral mini-grant
The Idaho Comprehensive Cancer Control Program is accepting applications for its FY27 Survivorship Screening and Referral Mini-Grant. Funding will support Idaho healthcare organizations in improving cancer survivorship screening, referral processes, and care coordination.
- Total Funding: $11,000, supporting one or two awards
- Eligible Applicants: Idaho healthcare organizations providing cancer care, survivorship follow-up, or related supportive care services
- Project Period: January 1–June 29, 2027
- Application Deadline: November 23, 2026, at 5:00 PM Mountain Time
- Submit Applications To: Becky.Creighton@dhw.idaho.gov
View the Solicitation and Application Materials
Evaluation Process: Applications will undergo eligibility and completeness screening, followed by evaluation by at least three reviewers using predetermined criteria totaling 100 points. Final selections are subject to Department approval and pre-award risk assessment.
Federal Funding: ALN 93.898, Cancer Prevention and Control Programs for State, Territorial, and Tribal Organizations.
Required Federal Notices: The entity will be required to provide their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number and must affirm their understanding that no entity, as defined at 2 CFR Part 25, Subpart C, may receive award of a Subgrant unless the entity has provided its UEI number. 2 CFR 25.110. An individual is exempt from this requirement. By applying, the applicant acknowledges that the entity shall comply with Single Audit requirements according to 2 CFR 200.500-521 (previously OMB A-133), subaward and executive compensation reporting requirements as required by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), and any specific grant requirements.
Eligible Idaho health care organizations are encouraged to apply.