Mission Statement
The Chronic Disease Surveillance and Research Branch (CDSRB) is committed to serving the public by collecting statewide data about chronic disease and risk factors, conducting surveillance and research into the causes, cures, and controls of cancer, and communicating the results to the public. CDSRB coordinates these activities by directing, managing, and monitoring the state-mandated Ken Maddy California Cancer Registry (CCR), the California’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (CCCP), and the Public Health Survey Research Program (PHSRP).
Programs
CCR is California’s statewide, population-based cancer surveillance system. In 1985, statewide population-based cancer reporting was mandated with the enactment of sections 103875, 103885, and 100330 of the California Health and Safety code. Statewide cancer reporting was fully implemented in 1988. As of 2008, CCR has collected detailed information on more than 2.7 million cases of cancer, with over 160,000 new cases added each year.
CCR collects information about all cancers diagnosed in California. The information is used to develop strategies and policies for cancer prevention, treatment, and control, such as determining where early detection, educational or other programs should be directed. In addition, health researchers use the data to analyze demographic and geographic factors that affect cancer risk, early detection, and effective treatment of cancer patients.
CCR is recognized as one of the leading cancer registries in the world, and has been the cornerstone of a substantial amount of cancer research. More than 450 funded research projects and 1900 publications have used CCR data.
CCR staff is also responsible for responding to community cancer concerns. When a potential cancer cluster is identified through analysis of CCR data, CDSRB communicates with the Environmental Health Investigations Branch to inform them of the findings and to help determine if further investigation is warranted. The CCR responds to approximately 100 community cancer concerns every year.
Comprehensive Cancer Control is a collaborative process through which communities pool resources to reduce the burden of cancer by focusing on risk reduction, early detection, better treatment, and enhanced survivorship. In an effort to achieve these goals, the CCCP is funded to establish a statewide coalition, called the California Dialogue on Cancer (CDOC), assess the burden of cancer, determine priorities and develop and implement a Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan in California.
CDOC was formed by the CCCP in conjunction with the American Cancer Society to provide guidance for comprehensive cancer control activities statewide. CDOC is comprised of cancer control leaders that represent a broad range of organizations and interest areas including state and local government, non-profit organizations, health, medical and business communities, researchers, academic institutions, cultural and religious organizations as well as cancer survivors, caregivers and advocates. Four working teams address the following cross-cutting cancer control issues:
- Disparities, Access to Care and Early Detection
- Research, Surveillance & Evaluation
- Prevention
- Survivorship and Treatment
Visit www.cdoc-online.org for more information.
In 2014, the Public Health Survey Research Program (PHSRP) was founded by California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to align their research needs. We focus on expanding CSUS’s research capabilities by conducting high-quality, policy impactful research.
Our main focus is to conduct research that increases our understanding of people’s health behaviors and needs. We provide researchers with a variety of services from survey development and programming, to database collection & management, and data analysis. Through our research, we provide policy makers with the data they require to make evidence-based decisions.
As a CSUS research program, we provide undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to be involved in the applied research and professional setting. We prepare students for their careers through the valuable, real-world experience.
It is our mission to improve public health through research, to support and extend the research capabilities of CSUS, and to provide students valuable, real-world experience in the applied research and professional setting.
Request Information
If you would like any additional information regarding the Chronic Disease Surveillance and Research Branch please contact the Webmaster at webmaster@ccr.ca.gov