If you are in danger, call 911. If you need to exit this website quickly, click on the ESCAPE button. This button will immediately open a browser window for weather.com and replace your current window with google.com.
Skip to agency navigation
Skip to main content

Official Website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means its official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    PA Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (PACCCP)

    The Pennsylvania Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (PACCCP) in the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control of the Pennsylvania Department of Health monitors public health, establishes statewide goals for cancer control, and implements and evaluates state cancer plan objectives to address the cancer burden.

    The 2023-2033 Pennsylvania Cancer Control Plan (Cancer Plan) serves as a blueprint that provides coalition partners and stakeholders with a coordinated framework to guide state cancer efforts to reduce cancer incidence and mortality. Cancer control efforts are aimed at preventing cancer; increasing cancer screening and early diagnosis; promoting equitable access to high-quality diagnostics, treatment, and services; and improving the quality of life and support for cancer survivors and caregivers.

    Learn about:

     

    Pennsylvania Cancer Coalition

    The Pennsylvania Cancer Coalition (PCC) is a statewide group that uses individual and collective resources to conduct comprehensive cancer control activities through implementation of the Cancer Plan. The PCC consists of several workgroups and subcommittees focused on specific aspects of the plan. The PCC meets virtually on a quarterly basis. The workgroup meeting times and frequency vary and are determined by the individual group.

    Membership is free and open to all cancer stakeholders, including private and non-profit organizations, health care providers and organizations, business coalitions, academic institutions, local regional and state government agencies, researchers, cancer survivors, and individuals.

    Access coalition resources or to join the PCC.

    Cancer Prevention

    Cancer prevention is action taken to lower the risk of getting cancer. This can include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding exposure to known cancer-causing substances, and taking medicines or vaccines that can prevent cancer from developing (source).

     

    Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine protects against cancers caused by HPV infection. HPV is a common virus that infects teens and adults. About 1 million people, including teens, become infected with HPV each year. HPV infection can cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in women and penile cancer in men. HPV can also cause anal cancer, cancer of the back of the throat (oropharynx), and genital warts in both men and women.

    Vaccines that protect against the hepatitis B virus can prevent chronic hepatitis B which can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

    HPV (human papillomavirus) Vaccine

    • Ages 9-14: 2 doses
    • Ages 15-26: 3 doses
    • Ages 26-45: Discuss if HPV vaccine is right for you.

    HPV vaccination provides safe, effective, and long-lasting protection against cancers caused by HPV. HPV vaccine has a reassuring safety record that’s backed by over 15 years of monitoring and research.

    Hepatitis B (HepB) Vaccine

    • All Infants: birth dose and 2 doses additional doses before 18 months.
    • Unvaccinated children younger than 19
    • Adults ages 19-59
    • Adults 60 years and older with risk factors for hepatitis B.

    To learn more or if you are uninsured or underinsured see if you or your child is eligible for free vaccines:

    Additional Resources:

    In America, 1 in 5 will develop some form of skin cancer by age 70. There are three major types of skin cancer — basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer is the 5th most diagnosed cancer among PA males.

    Having 5 or more sunburns over your lifetime doubles your risk for melanoma. You can reduce your risk of skin cancer by limiting or avoiding exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.  Checking your skin for suspicious changes can help detect skin cancer at its earliest stages. Early detection of skin cancer gives you the greatest chance for successful skin cancer treatment.

    All skin types can get skin cancer. Protect yourself by limiting exposure to the sun’s UV rays by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and hats, and seeking shade whenever possible.

    The American Academy of Dermatology and the American Cancer Society recommends that everyone use sunscreen that offers:

    1. Broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays)
    2. SPF 30 or higher

    To learn more visit:

    Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of cancer and cancer deaths. Cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals. At least 69 of these chemicals can cause cancer. Smoking can cause cancer almost anywhere in the body.

    It can cause not only lung cancer — but also cancers of the mouth and throat, voice box, esophagus, stomach, kidney, pancreas, liver, bladder, cervix, colon and rectum, and a type of leukemia.  Quitting smoking lowers the risk for 12 different cancers and also benefits people diagnosed with cancer (source).

    Pennsylvania offers free services to help you quit smoking and reduce your risk for cancer and other chronic diseases.

    To learn more and take the 1st steps to quit tobacco call or click:

     Other factors that may affect the risk of cancer

    • Alcohol: Linked to increased risk for oral, esophageal, breast and colorectal cancers.
    • Physical activity: Studies show that people who are physically active have a lower risk of certain cancers.
    • Obesity: Linked to increased risk for cancers including breast, colorectal, endometrial, esophageal, kidney, liver, and pancreatic cancers.
    • Environmental risk factors: Being exposed to chemicals and other substances in the environment has been linked to some cancers.

    To learn more:

    Cancer Screening and Early Detection

    Cancer screening tests find cancer in the body before a person has any symptoms. Screening for cancer does not necessarily mean a person has or will develop cancer. It can help find cancer early if done routinely, which makes it easier to treat or cure before it has spread to other parts of the body. Different cancer screening tests include physical exams, laboratory tests, imaging procedures, genetic tests, and patient histories (source).

    Cancer Screening Quick Guide:

    Ages 40-49

    • Mammogram every 2 years based on a decision between you and your provider

    Ages 50-74

    • Mammogram every 2 years

    Before age 40

    • Get screened if you have signs or symptoms, or if you have a high risk for cancer

    For more information or to learn if you qualify for free breast/chest and cervical cancer screening, please visit the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (PA-BCCEDP) page.

    Ages 21-29

    • Pap test every 3 years

    Ages 30-65

    • Pap test alone every 3 years or
    • High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) testing alone every 5 years or
    • HPV testing and a Pap test at the same time (co-testing) every 5 years

    For more information or to learn if you qualify for free breast/chest and cervical cancer screening, please visit the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (PA-BCCEDP) page.

    Ages 45-75

    • Colonoscopy every 10 years, or
    • At-home stool-based test every 1 to 3 years

    Ages 50-80

    Screen using a Low-dose CT scan if:

    • Currently smoke or quit smoking in the past 15 years
    • Have a 20 pack-year* smoking history
    • No current signs/symptoms of lung cancer
    • Shared decision between you and your doctor

    *1 pack of cigarettes/day x 20 years = 20 pack-years; 2 packs of cigarettes/day for 10 years = 20 pack-years

    Age 50 up to Age 75; Start at Age 45 if Black Ancestry and/or Strong *Family History

    • Annual PSA Blood Test
    • Over age 75 those with good health
    • Shared decision between you and your doctor

    *First degree relative: Father/brother diagnosed with prostate cancer or mother/sister with breast cancer. If more than one first degree relative was diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age- discuss screening with your doctor starting at age 40.

    Cancer Screening Resources:

    Insurance Coverage Information for Cancer Screening

    The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans to cover preventive health services like cancer screenings. However, you may end up with out of-pocket costs if a screening exam turns into a diagnostic exam, which sometimes happens if you have symptoms, or something is found. This is referred to as cost sharing.

    Cancer Survivors

    Millions of adults and children in the United States have been diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. A person is considered a cancer survivor from the time of diagnosis through the balance of life.

    Staying healthy after cancer treatment can be challenging. Linda, a cancer survivor, gives advice on four topics. You can choose different options to get answers to your questions about making healthy choices. Access the “Talk to Someone” Simulations.

    Additional Resources for Survivors:

    Resources for Pennsylvanians who are uninsured or underinsured: