The "Story Behind the Curve" helps us understand why the data on Cancer is high as it is in our community. When we understand the root causes of our community problems, we have a better chance of finding the right solutions, together.

What's Helping? These are the positive forces at work in our community and beyond that influence this issue in our community.

• The Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP) provides accessible screening and support services aimed at early detection and treatment of breast and cervical cancer, contributing positively to our community's health outcomes.
• Cologuard-Colorectal screening offers a non-invasive method for detecting colorectal cancer, enhancing early detection rates and improving the prognosis for affected individuals in our community.
• Pap smears, a routine screening procedure, play a vital role in identifying abnormal cervical cells early, reducing the incidence and mortality rates associated with cervical cancer within our community.
• Mammograms facilitate early detection of breast cancer, allowing for timely intervention and improving survival rates among individuals in our community.
• Yearly physicals encourage regular health check-ups, enabling early detection of health issues and promoting preventive care practices among community members.
• Insurance coverage of preventive services ensures that community members have access to essential screenings and preventive care measures, promoting early detection and reducing the burden of disease.
• Genetic testing provides valuable information about individuals' predispositions to certain cancers, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health and enabling early intervention when necessary.
• Increased education efforts raise awareness about cancer prevention, screening, and early detection methods within our community, empowering individuals to take proactive steps towards maintaining their health.
• Social media platforms serve as effective channels for disseminating health-related information and promoting healthy behaviors among community members, fostering a supportive environment for cancer prevention and awareness.
• Local newspapers play a crucial role in raising awareness about cancer-related issues, sharing stories of survivors, and providing information about available resources and support services within our community.

What's Hurting? These are the negative forces at work in our community and beyond that influence this issue in our community.

• Tobacco use, including smoking and smokeless tobacco products, increases the risk of developing cancer and other serious health conditions among individuals in our community.
• Alcohol use can contribute to the development of certain cancers, emphasizing the need for moderation and awareness of its associated health risks within our community.
• Lack of education about cancer prevention and early detection methods hinders community members' ability to recognize risk factors and seek appropriate screening and preventive care services.
• Poor diets characterized by high consumption of processed foods and sugary beverages contribute to obesity and other risk factors associated with cancer development within our community.
• Lack of access to quality healthcare services limits community members' ability to receive timely screenings, diagnosis, and treatment for cancer and other health conditions, exacerbating health disparities within our community.
• Poverty creates barriers to accessing essential healthcare services and resources, contributing to disparities in cancer outcomes and access to preventive care within our community.
• An aging population faces increased susceptibility to cancer and other chronic diseases, underscoring the importance of targeted interventions and support services for older adults within our community.
• Illegal drug use, including the misuse of prescription medications and illicit substances, can have detrimental effects on individuals' health and well-being, increasing the risk of cancer and other health issues within our community.
• Economic challenges, including unemployment and financial instability, impact community members' ability to afford healthcare services and adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors, contributing to disparities in cancer outcomes within our community.
• Transportation limitations hinder community members' access to healthcare facilities for screenings, treatment, and supportive care services, exacerbating disparities in cancer outcomes and access to care within our community.
• A lack of prioritization of health within our community leads to insufficient resources and support for preventive care initiatives and public health efforts aimed at addressing cancer and other health issues, highlighting the need for collective action and advocacy to promote health and well-being for all community members.

Partners with a Role in Helping Our Community Do Better on This Issue: 

• Cherokee County Public Health
• Cherokee County Senior Center
• Community Paramedic
• Cherokee County Public Schools
• Cherokee County Transportation
• Community for Students
• WNC Healthy Impact

Process for Selecting Priority Program/ Strategies

The following actions have been identified by our Health team and community members as ideas for what can work for our community to make a difference on cancer prevention and screening.

Actions and Approaches Identified by Our Partners These are actions and approaches that our partners think can make a difference on cancer prevention and screening.

• Education to all individuals
• Nutrition classes
• Immunizations against cervical cancers (HPV)
• Routine physical exams
• Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP)
• Quitline NC
• Social media
• Local newspaper

What is Currently Working in Our Community These are actions and approaches that are currently in place in our community to make a difference on cancer prevention and screening.

• Routine physical exams
• Immunizations
• Quitline NC

Evidence-Based Strategies These are actions and approaches that have been shown to make a difference on cancer prevention and screening.

What Community Members Most Affected by cancer say These are the actions and approaches recommended by members of our community who are most affected by cancer.

• More advertisements regarding Quitliine NC
• Provide more education on prevention and screening
• Offer screenings at a reasonable price