Aligned with the State’s Health Improvement Plan, Healthy New Jersey 2030, which aims to improve health for all people, the goal of the Chronic Disease Coalition is to address the state’s cancer burden and work toward improving health outcomes for people with or at risk for cancer and other chronic diseases. State-wide coalitions are supported by the New Jersey Department of Health Office of Cancer Control and Prevention to coordinate comprehensive cancer control efforts in New Jersey and contribute to the national efforts of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
The Coalition is comprised of the collective expertise and support of over 100 members engaged in the delivery of effective cancer and chronic disease prevention education, policy and systems change, environmental influences, and behavior change that contribute to healthy and equitable communities.
Prevention Saves Lives
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in New Jersey and the United States. While not all cancers are preventable, many of the known risk factors can be decreased or eliminated through healthy lifestyle practices, getting appropriate vaccinations, and other policy-driven and systematic changes. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 42% of cancer cases and 45% of cancer deaths in the US are attributed to potentially modifiable risk factors. (Cancer Prevention & Early Detection, Facts & Figures 1029-2020). Evidence-based interventions can decrease risk factors and increase awareness to achieve improved health outcomes.
The Office of Cancer Control and Prevention (OCCP) coordinates comprehensive cancer control efforts in New Jersey and participates in the national efforts of the CDC to establish state-based comprehensive cancer control plans, conduct prevention of cancer risk factors, enhance early detection of preventable cancers, and facilitate survivorship through the activities of its Chronic Disease Coalitions.
Programs and Services
Education equips residents with the information they need to avoid behaviors that place them at risk of developing cancer, as well as, understanding the warning signs so cancers can be detected early, treated, controlled or cured. Prevention education initiatives increase knowledge and address the cancer burden by reducing overall new cases and deaths from the disease.
- Group presentations or one-on-one sessions focus on breast, colorectal, lung, cervical, skin cancers, and survivorship.
- Stop smoking. Smoking is linked to several types of cancer — not just lung cancer. Quitting will reduce the risk of cancer in the future.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure. Harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can increase the risk of skin cancer. Limit sun exposure by staying in the shade, wearing protective clothing, or applying sunscreen.
- Eat a healthy diet. Choose a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Select whole grains and lean proteins.
- Exercise most days of the week. Regular exercise is linked to a lower risk of cancer. At least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week is recommended.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese may increase the risk of cancer. Work to achieve and maintain a healthy weight through a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise.
- Schedule cancer screening exams. Talk with a healthcare provider about what types of cancer screening exams that are best based on risk factors.
- Ask your provider about immunizations against diseases that increase your risk of cancer. Immunizations can help prevent hepatitis B, which increases the risk of liver cancer, and human papillomavirus (HPV), which increases the risk of cervical and other cancers.
Early detection of cancer through screening tests offers significantly improved chances for survival. Working in the community, the Coalition supports community-clinical linkages to connect people to health care resources.
- Collaboration with, and referrals to, the NJ Cancer Education Early Detection Program (NJCEED) which offers education and screening services for breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancer to those with the greatest need.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the US with 1 in 5 people developing skin cancer in their lifetime. Studies indicate that excessive sun exposure during childhood poses an especially elevated risk for melanoma and other skin cancers later in life.
- Collaboration with schools and recreation centers in the delivery of the Sunbeatables ™ curriculum teaches children about sun protection to promote early sun-protective behaviors that will last a lifetime. This interactive program works best for pre-school and elementary grade levels.
- Skin cancer screening events to protect early detection.
Cigarette smoking among high school students declined from 29% in 1999 to 8% in 2018 according to the American Cancer Society, however, e-cig use has increased from 2% in 2011 to 21% in 2018.
- Delivery of group presentations to educate community members on the health impact related to the growing range of popular smoking devices (vaping devices, e-cig, and tobacco).
- Promotion of resources and services available to support healthy behaviors and smoking cessation.
- Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can cause cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers in women and penile cancer in men; and anal cancer, cancer of the back of the throat (oropharynx), and genital warts in both men and women. HPV vaccination provides safe, effective, and long-lasting protection against cancers caused by HPV and can stop the more than 31,000 new cases of cancer each year.
- Programs to educate, effectively communicate, and inform parents of the value as cancer prevention and the required dosing for full protection (2 doses of the vaccine at ages 11 to 12).
The World Cancer Research Fund estimates that about 20% of all cancers diagnosed in the US are related to body mass, physical inactivity, excess alcohol consumption, and/or poor nutrition and thus could be prevented. Eating well is an important part of improving health and reducing cancer risk.
- Dietary and lifestyle education guided by registered dietitian nutritionists and other professionals delivered in a group setting to promote healthier eating habits.
Many survivors and their families experience long-term physical, emotional, and practical needs resulting from cancer that affect their quality of life.
- Delivery of the Cancer Thriving & Surviving Program builds a participant’s confidence in their ability to manage their health and maintain an active and fulfilling life. This evidence-based program offers an interface between physical health and mental health with attention not only on disease surveillance and pain management but also anxiety, nutrition, and physical activity as important issues. Caregivers and family support members are welcome at the workshops and encouraged to participate.