Formation of the Delaware Cancer Consortium
The Delaware Cancer Consortium was originally formed as the Delaware Advisory Council on Cancer Incidence and Mortality in March 2001 in response to Senate Joint Resolution 2 signed by Governor Ruth Ann Minner.
The advisory council, consisting of 15 members appointed by the governor, was established to advise the governor and legislature on the causes of cancer incidence and mortality and potential methods for reducing both. The advisory council was later expanded and its name changed to the Delaware Cancer Consortium (DCC).
Developing a Plan for Action
The DCC began meeting in April 2001 with the shared understanding that their work would be focused on developing a clear and usable cancer control plan—a plan for action. Gathering input from professionals in cancer control, as well as from Delaware citizens affected by cancer, was a top priority. Keeping the 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
- Create a structure and agenda for addressing these needs
- Enable Delaware to move forward with meaningful action for its citizens
The DCC heard from speakers on Delaware cancer statistics, including Dr. Jon Kerner from the National Cancer Institute, and began monthly presentations from Delaware cancer survivors or family members who had lost a loved one to cancer. The stories provided valuable insight into some of the concerns and barriers, stress and ways that Delaware can help ease these burdens on its citizens. A unique project called Concept Mapping provided input on cancer issues from Delaware citizens and helped establish priorities and a scope of work. More than 195 Delaware citizens who are invested in cancer control efforts participated in the project. 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, resulting in 118 ideas about controlling cancer in Delaware.
Development of Subcommittees and Recommendations
The results of Concept Mapping and the stories of speakers guided the DCC to develop a clear set of priorities and establish 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.