Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Oregon, affecting thousands of families every year. With about 22,000 new cancer diagnoses annually, the impact of this disease reaches far beyond patients—it touches caregivers, communities, and workplaces. In response, the Oregon Health & Science University’s Knight Cancer Institute and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) have published the 2025 Oregon Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan, a new guide to help reduce cancer’s toll across the state.
This guide is more than a report—it’s a community-driven effort to deliver information that can better assist Oregonians in their fight to prevent cancer, improve early detection, support survivors, and address health disparities. Developed with input from health and cancer experts, equity consultants, and a cross-sector steering committee, it reflects Oregon’s commitment to health equity and measurable progress.
What Is the Cancer Control Plan?
The plan is a public health guide that identifies five priority cancer areas of focus for Oregon and sets priorities for action. It’s designed for anyone who wants to make a difference—community advocates, healthcare providers, policymakers, and everyday Oregonians. It highlights where cancer hits hardest and where some of the biggest gaps in care and prevention exist, such as cancer screening rates.
The plan will guide the work of task forces beginning in 2026. These groups will focus on specific cancers and issues, develop strategies, and track progress. The goal is to create real change through collaboration across sectors and communities.
Five Priority Areas
The plan focuses on five key areas where Oregon can make the biggest impact:
- Liver Cancer
Liver cancer rates are rising in Oregon. The biggest risk factors for liver cancer are chronic hepatitis B or C infections, and excessive alcohol use. The plan calls for better prevention, screening, and treatment options.
- Breast Cancer
Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers in Oregon. The plan emphasizes early detection through on-time and regular screenings.
- Colorectal Cancer
Often preventable through screening, colorectal cancer is a major concern in Oregon. The incidence rate for people under 50 years of age is increasing. The plan promotes an increase in screening rates, especially for communities that are disproportionately affected.
- Lung Cancer
About 80% of lung cancer cases are linked to commercial tobacco use, and approximately 14% of cases are linked to radon. The plan supports tobacco prevention programs, encourages lung cancer screening for those at risk, and calls for an increase in radon awareness and testing.
- HPV Vaccination
Human papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to six types of cancer, including cervical cancer and cancer of the middle throat, which is on the rise, specifically in men. Increasing HPV vaccination rates is a top priority, especially among boys and youth living in rural areas of Oregon.
Equity at the Center
A major theme of the plan is equity. Cancer doesn’t affect everyone equally. People in rural areas, communities of color, and those with lower incomes often face higher cancer rates and worse outcomes. The plan aims to highlight populations that are impacted by cancer the most, and to encourage action to support them.
What Happens Next?
In 2026, task forces will be formed to focus on each priority area. These groups will include community members, health professionals, and advocates. They’ll create Oregon-specific goals and develop strategies that can be used across the state. The plan will also guide the work of the Oregon Cancer Coalition, which brings together organizations and individuals working to fight cancer statewide.
The plan is designed to be flexible and responsive. As new data becomes available and community needs evolve, the plan can be updated to stay relevant and effective.
How You Can Help
The Oregon Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan is more than a scientific document—it’s a community-driven guide for change. Everyone has a role to play, even when the goal is systems transformation. For example, a hospital system adopting new policies to expand access to cancer screenings in rural areas can have a wide-reaching impact. Whether you’re part of a health organization, a nonprofit, or a local coalition, your involvement helps shape a healthier future for all Oregonians.
Call to Action:
We invite all Oregonians to read the plan, share it with your networks, and consider how you or your organization can help reduce the burden of cancer in Oregon.
You can download the full plan here and learn more about how to get involved by contacting the Oregon Cancer Coalition at OregonCancerPlan@oha.oregon.gov.
Together, we can build a healthier Oregon—one where fewer people get cancer, more people survive it, and everyone has a fair chance at prevention and care.