Comprehensive Cancer Control Program

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Georgia. In 2024, 18,932 Georgians died of cancer. From 2019-2023, there were 292,629 cancer cases diagnosed among Georgia residents, an average of approximately 58,526 new cases each year.

The leading causes of cancer-related death among men in Georgia are lung, prostate, colon, and pancreatic cancer. The leading causes of cancer-related death among women in Georgia are lung, breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer. These cancers account for almost 50% of cancer deaths in Georgia.

The most recent five-year state cancer plan,  Georgia Cancer Plan: 2024-2029  (PDF, 2.15 MB) , was developed by more than 80 organizations from the Georgia Cancer Control Consortium. The plan provides a statewide framework for preventing and controlling cancer in Georgia. Its five priority areas are: 

  1. Supporting Cancer Prevention Efforts with a focus on HPV prevention
  2. Detecting Cancers Early and Screening Appropriately for Target Cancers
  3. Facilitating Statewide Access to Palliative Care and Support
  4. Improving Quality of Life for Cancer Survivors
  5. Maintaining Excellence in the Diagnosis, Staging, and Treatment of Cancers

Comprehensive Cancer Control Program 

The Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Control Program within the Georgia Department of Public Health oversees the implementation of the statewide cancer plan, carries out programmatic activities, and maintains the partnerships essential to reducing cancer-related morbidity and mortality. 

Cancer Prevention and Control Partners

Partners play an essential role in preventing and controlling all chronic diseases, including cancer. More than 80 organizations contributed to the development of the state cancer plan and participate in the Georgia Cancer Control Consortium. 

Regional Cancer Coalitions of Georgia

The Georgia Regional Cancer Coalitions play a vital role in advancing local cancer prevention and control efforts by bringing together health care systems, community organizations, and other key partners to address regional cancer priorities and implement strategies that respond to the unique needs of their communities. See Georgia's Regional Cancer Coalitions below:

Cancer State Aid

The Cancer State Aid (CSA) Program was established in 1937 by the Georgia legislature under O.C.G.A. § 31-15-2 to reduce the burden and cost of cancer care for eligible uninsured, underinsured, and low-income Georgians. The program supports access to screening, diagnostic, treatment planning, and cancer treatment services.

Program priorities include:

  • Funding access to diagnostic, staging, and treatment planning services
  • Funding access to standard cancer active treatment services

Hospitals, freestanding radiation centers, and pharmacies are the current contracted partners that provide services funded by CSA.

For more information: Cancer State Aid 

Breast and Cervical Cancer Program 

The Georgia Department of Public Health provides breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnostic services and referral to treatment as medically indicated to uninsured and underinsured women residing in Georgia. 

Services include:

  • Mammogram/Clinical breast exam
  • Pap smear and HPV test
  • Pelvic Exam
  • Diagnostic services
  • Patient navigation and referrals
  • Genetic testing

For more information: Breast and Cervical Cancer 

Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Registry 

The Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Registry (GCCR) is a statewide population-based cancer registry collecting all cancer cases diagnosed among Georgia residents since January 1, 1995. This information furthers our understanding of cancer and is used to develop strategies and policies for prevention, intervention, control, and treatment.

Goals:

  • To collect information on all newly diagnosed cancer cases.
  • To calculate cancer incidence rates for the state of Georgia.
  • To make data available to the public and health care professionals.
  • To identify and evaluate cancer morbidity and mortality trends and problems on an ongoing basis.
  • To provide cancer incidence and mortality data to cancer control programs to assist them in developing strategies and evaluating their effectiveness.
  • To stimulate cancer control research.

For more information: Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Registry

To connect with free or low-cost local services that support chronic disease prevention, access to healthy food, healthcare, and social support programs please select the link: GA DPH FindHelp.

Page last updated 10/27/26