Cancer mortality rates have been declining in recent years due advances in cancer research, detection and treatment. (18) However, it was still the second leading cause of death in the Panhandle in 2009, second only to heart disease. (13)

New cancer cases can be prevented and cancer deaths can be reduced by decreasing exposure to certain risk factors, such as tobacco use, long-term exposure to radon, and excessive ultraviolet light, and adopting positive behaviors, such as healthy eating and active living. (19,20) Cancer risk can also be reduced by getting the recommended cancer screening tests. (19) To address cancer prevention, strategies are divided into two focus areas: (1) Primary Prevention, and (2) Early Detection. Because healthy eating and active living are already covered in the healthy living section, strategies for Primary Prevention target limiting exposure to tobacco, radon, and ultraviolet light. Strategies for Early Detection, on the other hand, involve partnering with health care providers to inform and educate the public on the recommended screening guidelines.

Key Partners and Community Assets

• Tobacco free policies

• Multi-unit housing complexes
• Outdoor areas
• Campus wide at worksites
• Area schools
• Housing authorities
• County Fair Boards
• Worksites
• Panhandle Worksite Wellness Council.
• Panhandle Prevention Coalition
• Panhandle Partnership
• Local law enforcement and Nebraska State Patrol
• Regular compliance checks
• Sponsorship of Tobacco Free events
• Chadron Native American Center
• Pool Cool shade structures and sun screen provided throughout region
• Legislation passed to require parental consent for youth 16 and under to use tanning beds
• Clinical providers

O.4A.2: By July 31, 2017, decrease the proportion of Panhandle adults (18 years and older) who currently smoke cigarettes by 10%.

Goal Statement: Reduce the impact of tobacco use and exposure, exposure to ultraviolet light, and exposure to radon on cancer incidence and mortality.

Strategies

1. Support comprehensive tobacco free and other evidence-based tobacco control policies.
2. Reduce underage access to tobacco.
3. Reduce number of people exposed to radon.
4. Use media to educate and encourage people to live tobacco free.
5. Reduce exposure to ultraviolet light.
6. Clinician counseling and interventions to prevent tobacco use and tobacco-caused disease in adults and pregnant women (USPSTF).