Idahoans who have survived cancer or work with cancer patients have a unique opportunity to help improve the care of future cancer patients in the state.

The Idaho Comprehensive Cancer Control Program in the Department of Health and Welfare is conducting a survey to identify gaps and needs within the state and to bring together partners to address identified needs. There are surveys for both cancer survivors and cancer healthcare providers.

According to Health Program Manager Becky Creighton, the program’s goal is to recruit participation from as many cancer survivors and providers as possible.

“People are living longer after a cancer diagnosis due to advances in early detection and treatment,” Creighton said. “That means the number of cancer survivors is expected to increase at a faster rate than the number of people getting cancer. We hope to assess the impact of cancer and cancer treatment on people’s physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being. The needs assessment will provide information for the department, so it can support Idahoans to live full, healthy, and active lives throughout their cancer journeys.”

Each year, approximately 10,000 Idahoans are diagnosed with cancer, and there are more than 3,000 cancer deaths. In terms of survivorship, there are at least 50,000 people living in Idaho who have had a cancer diagnosis in the past 10 years.

Nearly 60% of Idahoans with a cancer diagnosis will still be alive five years after their diagnosis. Although Idaho has made progress in cancer care, the state remains at or near the bottom of rankings for many cancer screenings, and high on some rankings such as those for skin cancer mortality.

“We encourage every Idahoan to join our call to action to reduce the cancer burden in our state, Creighton said. “This involves cooperative input and concerted action to reduce cancer risk, find cancers earlier, improve and increase access to quality cancer care, and improve the health and well-being of cancer survivors.”

• Cancer care providers: Those who work with cancer survivors include patient navigators, providers, nurses, nonprofit services and more. If you work with cancer survivors, please follow this link to take the survey.
• Cancer survivors: Patients who have received any type of cancer diagnosis in the last six years can take the survey by following this link.

The survey is open through March 31.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening Idahoans' health, safety, and independence. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.