TCR data inform the Texas Cancer Plan

The Texas Cancer Plan (TCP) is the state’s call to action for cancer research, prevention, and control. The Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), in collaboration with the Texas Cancer Registry (TCR), the Cancer Alliance of Texas, and numerous stakeholders, is charged with developing a cancer plan every few years to address cancer-related priorities in the state.

Texas is the fastest growing and second largest state in the nation by both geographic area and population, with an increasingly diverse population and the largest population of rural residents. In addition, Texas experiences distinct cancer incidence patterns and trends compared to other states. As such, the landscape of cancer prevention, treatment, and research in Texas is wide-ranging and complex. Therefore, developing a plan that addresses the complex nature of the cancer burden in Texas is a significant challenge.

The most recently published, data-driven plan was the 2024 Texas Cancer Plan, which relied heavily upon TCR data and expertise from TCR cancer epidemiologists. The plan describes the cancer burden in Texas, including challenges faced by the many rural communities in Texas, differences in incidence and survival by race/ethnicity, and the impact of cancer among young Texans. This most recent plan includes interactive maps, charts, and graphics that show key statistics from sources such as TCR.

TCR epidemiologists collaborated closely with CPRIT and other stakeholders over the course of a year by participating in numerous discussions and completing multiple data requests. The team of epidemiologists analyzed Texas incidence and mortality data, and provided appropriate interpretations, to ensure the plan was data-driven. Cancer registry data were also used to document baseline values of key cancer prevention and control measures to monitor progress towards reaching the plan’s goals for the coming years. Specifically, TCR data were used to inform the development of ten of the plan’s 20 goals, which each have objectives and strategic actions to guide the collective effort from all stakeholders. This translates to 29 individual baseline measures in the plan that used TCR data, including metrics such as age-adjusted cancer incidence rates; relative survival rates for children, adolescents, and adults; and maintaining high-quality cancer data sources that support cancer research like TCR.

Moving forward, TCR plans to supply data to evaluate progress and to inform future updates. TCR will also continue to disseminate cancer data to CPRIT in support of its mission and mandate to bring innovative cancer research to Texas and to develop and implement the Texas Cancer Plan. Through its ongoing collaboration with CPRIT and by leveraging shared cancer-related goals, TCR has demonstrated the importance of high-quality, complete, population-based data to the statewide fight against cancer.

Co-author: Paige Miller, PhD, MPH