Wisconsin's Cancer Control History
Wisconsin has been actively engaged in cancer control planning and program development over the past 30 years. The Wisconsin State Legislature established the Wisconsin Cancer Reporting System in 1976 as the state's only population-based data collection and maintenance system for cancer.

The Wisconsin Cancer Council (WCC) was founded in the early 1980's by Dr. Paul P. Carbone, then Director of the University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center (UWCCC), and Mr. Gerald Doelle, Executive Vice President of the American Cancer Society-Wisconsin Division.

In 1987 WI was one of the first states to receive a NCI Data-Based Intervention Research grant. Through this grant, the Wisconsin Division of Health hired key staff, revitalized the Wisconsin Cancer Council, developed a state cancer plan (as part of the Public Health Agenda), and selected breast cancer as a key intervention priority.

During this same time, the Wisconsin Cancer Council was working to support cancer control efforts in the state. Dr. Paul Carbone worked with Governor Tommy Thompson to establish the "Governor's Cancer Control Initiative." This Initiative provided approximately $400,000 annually to support statewide cancer control programs and $50,000 to improve the Wisconsin Cancer Reporting System. Through a competitive process, these funds were used to support a variety of cancer control projects, including the ASSIST tobacco control project throughout the state.

In 1993, Wisconsin received funding for The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, administered by CDC. The Wisconsin Well Woman program helps low-income, uninsured, and underserved women, between the ages of 35 and 64, gain access to lifesaving screening programs for early detection of breast and cervical cancers.

In the new millennium, cancer control was again on the forefront in Wisconsin. The Turning Point Initiative began its planning for Healthiest Wisconsin 2010. In 2002, comprehensive cancer control planning gained momentum after the Leadership Institute and the CDC planning grant for WI CCC Plan. In September of that year, Wisconsin's Department of Health and Family Services was awarded a Comprehensive Cancer Control planning grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Over the next three years, the Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan 2005-2010 (WI CCC Plan) was developed. This planning process brought together over 200 statewide partners to create a strategic plan that addresses the whole continuum of cancer control in Wisconsin. The Plan serves as the foundation for the WI CCC Program and as a common framework for action that links the state health plan (Healthiest Wisconsin 2010) to cancer prevention and control over the next several years. The Wisconsin Cancer Council continues to be the coalition of organizations dedicated to the development and coordination of the Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Control.