THE GREATER WASHINGTON COALITION FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Because the District of Columbia has the highest cancer mortality rate in the United States, the DC Department of Health (DOH) created the DC Cancer Control Coalition in 2001 to serve as a partner in addressing comprehensive cancer control and prevention. This is the District’s first Cancer Plan—an analysis of the present environment, a blueprint to reduce the number of new cases of cancer and the number of cancer-caused deaths and to improve the quality of life for cancer survivors in the nation’s capital.

The DC Cancer Control Plan 2005-2010 is the culmination of a collaborative three year effort by the DC Cancer Coalition, which is a partnership of medical centers, nonprofit organizations, academic and research institutions, community groups, advocates, professional organizations in the District of Columbia. GWCCS had the lead on drafting the chapter on cancer survivorship which is featured in our Spring 2006 newsletter The plan is a blueprint for the next steps in reducing the burden of cancer in Washington, DC. It was unveiled on April 19, 2006 and was featured in a front page story in the Washington Post the next day. To view a complete copy of the plan, click on the cover above.

2006 Calendar
We have just updated the GWCCS “Upcoming Events” for the summer of 2006. Since many events occur at the same time every year, we will leave last year's events on this Web site as a reference until we replace them with future events. Although we try to list as many activities as possible, we need your help to publicize your event. Send your news to jack@sheahan.org.

You are not alone
GWCCS is here to help you. We provide a directory of support groups and a calendar of cancer-related events in the Washington, DC area, and we serve as a clearinghouse for general information about surviving cancer. If you would like to contact us, please use email or the GWCCS phone/fax line at (202) 364-6422.