Ending Cancer as We Know It

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The Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS) is committed to advancing research to eliminate cancer and its consequences for all while also achieving the goals outlined in the National Cancer Plan. The following stories highlight several efforts to end cancer as we know it and reduce cancer mortality by 50% over the next 25 years.

DCCPS Efforts Help to Eliminate Deaths From Cervical Cancer

DCCPS funded efforts to increase uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. The latest data show an increase in vaccine completion and a decrease in HPV infections, helping to reduce cervical cancer mortality.

PRO-CTCAE® Boosts Treatment Tolerability and Optimizes Selection

The Patient-Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE®) helps doctors select the best treatments for patients.

Screening and Decreased Disparities Reduce Deaths

DCCPS-funded surveys, research networks, and registries led to better screening uptake and monitoring and a decrease in disparities of outcomes among high-risk and economically disadvantaged groups. Efforts resulted in an estimated 20% reduction in breast cancer mortality and 40% reduction in colorectal cancer mortality.

CISNET Modeling Improves Screening Guidelines

The Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET) played a significant role in advancing the US Preventive Services Task Force’s screening recommendations for colorectal, breast, lung, and cervical cancers.

Tobacco Control Strategies Reduce Cancer

Declines in smoking from 1975-2000 led to the prevention of nearly 800,000 deaths. DCCPS-funded research built an evidence base for tobacco reduction strategies that prevented 8 million premature deaths from 1964-2012 and led to a reduction in lung cancer mortality rates, which are projected to decrease by approximately 50%.

DCCPS Research Helps Reduce Indoor Tanning and Contributes to Decline in Melanoma Incidence

NCI and its collaborators published data on indoor tanning, which showed a consistent decrease in its prevalence, particularly among young women. This reduction coincided with a decrease in melanoma incidence.

Cancer Risk Research on PFAS Prompts Bans and Regulations

An increasing number of states have banned or regulated per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in response to DCCPS-funded epidemiological studies showing a link between those substances in the bloodstream and a higher incidence of several cancers.

Research on Hereditary Cancer Syndromes Lowers Rates and Deaths for High-Risk Individuals

DCCPS-funded epidemiological research helped women who are predisposed to breast and ovarian cancer benefit from risk-reduction strategies and showed that individuals with other inherited syndromes benefit from earlier and more frequent surveillance.

SEER Data Show Survival Rates After Childhood and Adolescent Cancer

DCCPS-supported research using SEER data – the only comprehensive source of population-based cancer information in the United States – underscored the importance of long-term surveillance investments and revealed that short-term mortality from childhood cancer has improved, but life expectancy for childhood cancer survivors was still lower than for their peers.

Each year, DCCPS funds approximately 900 research grants on cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and access to care. Learn about funding opportunities and contact a program director to discuss requirements, available resources, and more.

Last Updated
December 14, 2023