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Cancer Prevention and Control in Oregon

About Us


The Oregon Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (ORCCP) works with partners and communities across the state to reduce the burden of cancer. We focus on:
  • Preventing cancer through healthy policies, environments and systems improvement
  • Increasing cancer screening and early detection
  • Helping medical clinics and communities work better together
  • Supporting cancer survivors to live their healthiest lives
ORCCP also leads the Oregon Cancer Coalition, dedicated to reducing the burden of cancer across Oregon. If you are interested in being a part of the Coalition, or staying up to date with its efforts, sign up for the Oregon Cancer Coalition e-newsletter.

Note: ORCCP does not provide medical care, cancer treatment or health insurance benefits. Contact your health provider or insurance plan for help or information about these topics.

Cancer in Oregon

Cancer is the leading cause of death in Oregon. Some geographic areas and demographic groups of people in Oregon experience higher cancer rates than others, especially when there is less access to cancer screening, detection and treatment services. This is also true for communities where tobacco use, alcohol use, poor nutrition and low levels of physical activity are more common.

Find the latest statewide and county-level cancer data in the Chronic Disease Data and Reports website.

Cancer Prevention and Screening Programs


Tobacco and Cancer Prevention

Tobacco use, including exposure to secondhand smoke increases a person's risk of developing lung cancer. In fact, 80-90% of lung cancer deaths are linked to smoking tobacco.


Smokefree Oregon logoSmokefree Oregon 

Smokefree Oregon brings together communities, health workers, and individuals to reduce tobacco use and protect health. Visit the Smokefree Oregon Website to: 

  • Talk with experts in your community  
  • Learn how to support others to quit 
  • Find the latest research and prevention tools

Oregon Tobacco Quitline 

Ready to Quit Smoking or Vaping? Quitting helps your health immediately—and there’s help available. 

Get free support from the Oregon Tobacco Quit Line: 
  • Call: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) 
  • Español: 1-877-2NO-FUME 
  • TTY: 1-877-777-6534 
  • Text “READY” to 34191 
  • Visit:  Quit Line Website 
Want to do it your way? Pharmacists can also help you build a quit plan.  

Alcohol and Cancer Prevention  

Approximately 30% of liver cancer cases are attributed to excessive alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol also increases the risk of developing other types of cancers such as breast, prostate, colorectal, mouth, throat, voice box and esophageal cancers. Alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it is known to cause cancer. Because alcohol is a carcinogen, lower levels of drinking can also be harmful even if you don’t feel drunk.

Rethink the Drink 

Oregon’s Rethink the Drink campaign helps people better understand the health risks of drinking. 

Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening: ScreenWise 

Oregon Screenwise breast and cervical cancer screening program
ScreenWise is a statewide program supporting access to free breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to individuals living in Oregon who are uninsured or underinsured where costs to access screening services is a hardship. The ScreenWise mission is to maintain a network of health care providers and community partners to support the early detection of breast and cervical cancer. 

Patients diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer may be eligible for treatment through the State Medicaid Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program (BCCTP), regardless of whether they were enrolled in ScreenWise when they were diagnosed. Call OHP at 800-699-9075 for further information regarding BCCTP. 

If you are a provider or prospective patient seeking information about ScreenWise, please call 877-255-7070. If you want to speak with a ScreenWise Specialist, call 971-673-0581. 

Colorectal cancer - The cancer YOU can prevent 

Colorectal cancer the cancer you can prevent


In Oregon, colorectal cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer diagnosed and the fourth leading cause of cancer death.  
 
The good news: Screening can prevent it or catch it early when it is often easier to treat. 
 
Find resources for individuals, employers, and health care providers at: www.thecanceryoucanprevent.org  




HPV-related cancers 

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is common and easily spread through direct skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. HPV has been linked to six different cancer types (cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, penis and the mouth and and throat).  
 
Being vaccinated for HPV is important to protect against cancers caused by HPV infections. More information can be found on the OHA HPV Resources page.  
 
If you’re interested in getting involved in increasing awareness of HPV vaccination and immunization rates in Oregon, join the statewide vaccination coalition, Immunize Oregon and its partner, the HPV Prevention Alliance. 

Lung cancer prevention: Have you tested your home for radon?  

Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that you cannot smell or see and can build up to unhealthy levels in our homes. Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer (second only to cigarette smoking). Radon gas is also the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 21,000 people die each year in the United States as the result of radon induced lung cancer. 
 
The only way to know if your home has high radon levels is to test it. You can: 
If you find that your home has high radon levels, a certified radon mitigation company can install a mitigation system to decrease your radon levels.  

For more information on radon, visit Oregon Health Authority’s Radon Awareness Program website. You can also email the program as radon.program@dhsoha.state.or.us   

Liver cancer prevention: Addressing viral hepatitis 
Liver cancer rates in Oregon are rising. Over half of liver cancer cases are attributed to viral hepatitis B and C, with some demographic groups experiencing much higher rates than others. Knowing transmission and prevention strategies, and getting screened for viral hepatitis, can help keep you safe from viral hepatitis-related liver cancer.  
 
Find out more about viral hepatitis at the Acute and Communicable Disease Program Oregon Viral Hepatitis Resource Site
 
Learn how Oregon is working to eliminate viral hepatitis by reading the Oregon Viral Hepatitis Elimination Plan.  

Living Well as a Cancer Survivor



Many people with cancer want to take charge of their health. Online and in-person health education classes and self-management programs are offered throughout Oregon. 
 
Search Oregon self-management programs for the classes listed below 



Just some of the classes offered are as follows:  

  • Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is a six-week evidence-based interactive workshop program designed to help adults with chronic conditions learn strategies for managing their health and improving their quality of life. This program is also offered in a culturally adapted Spanish version, Tomando control de su salud
  • Healthy Heart Ambassadors is a 4-month duration evidence-based program that helps participants to lower and manage their blood pressure. The program empowers participants to measure and monitor their blood pressure using proper technique, provides individualized support from a program facilitator and nutrition education for participants to learn about ways to eat healthier. 
  • Walk With Ease is a community-based physical activity and self-management education program and includes health education, stretching and strengthening exercises, and motivational strategies. 
  • Freedom From Smoking is a proven way to quit smoking, even if you have tried to quit before. You will join other people who want to quit for a seven-week workshop led by a trained facilitator who will help you set goals, provide resources and ongoing encouragement. Quitting is hard and you do not have to do it alone.