Overview

Studies over the past decade have demonstrated that over half of all cancers are preventable and that lifestyle factors impact cancer risk.   Cancer prevention can be defined as those actions taken by individuals and communities to promote healthy lifestyles through behavior changes, policies and environments.   Current recommendations include reducing tobacco use, increasing physical activity, controlling weight, improving diet, limiting alcohol, utilizing safer sex practices, and avoiding excessive sun exposure.  Many of these cancer prevention strategies not only reduce the risk of multiple cancers but also significantly reduce the risk of other chronic diseases.

Priorities for Cancer Prevention

These priorities were established as goals in accordance with the mission of the Consortium.  They also serve to raise awareness about certain aspects of one's lifestyle that may be associated with an increased risk for cancer.

• To reduce the initiation of tobacco use, to increase the number of people who successfully quit using tobacco, and to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke.
• To reduce and prevent adult risk of colorectal and other cancers through healthful eating habits and physical activity.
• To reduce the risk of colorectal and other cancers through healthful eating habits and physical activity beginning as a child.
• To reduce the risk of oral and pharyngeal cancers in Maine.
• To reduce the risk of skin cancer in Maine.
• To reduce the risk of cervical and other cancers associated with sexually transmitted diseases in Maine.
• To reduce the risk of cancer from carcinogens in Maine's environment.

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Prevention Logic Model

The Consortium is working with the Maine Center for Public Health to evaluate our progress.  To view the Prevention logic model click here.  

Prevention Work Group Members

Kolawole Bankole, City of Portland/Public Health Division

Bonnie Bickford, American Cancer Society

Amy Black, Maine Center for Public Health

Tina Chapman, Healthy Maine Partnerships of Greater Waterville

David Crawford, Physical Activity and Nutrition Program

Kip DeSerres, American Cancer Society

Andrew Finch, Healthy Maine Partnerships

Jim Fortunato, Redington-Fairview General Hospital

Jennah Godo, HIV/STD Program

Chriss Hayden, City of Portland/Public Health Division

Lori Kaley, University of Southern Maine/ Muskie School of Public Service

Dorean Maines, Partnership for a Tobacco Free Maine

Diane Mulkhey, Central Maine Medical Center

Nancy Oden, CLEAN: Maine

Tina Harnett-Pettingill, City of Portland/Public Health Division

Megan Woodcock , Maine Breast & Cervical Health Program

Holly Richards, Maine Comprehensive Cancer Control Program

Amanda Sears, Environmental Health Strategy Center

Ken Smith, Genentech BioOncology

Bob Stilwell, Maine Radiation Program

Sharon Tisher, University of Maine at Orono

Castine Verrill, Maine Cancer Registry

Work Group Contact Information
For more information about the Prevention Work Group or to attend a meeting, please contact: Holly Richards at 287-4321.

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