North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) and partner organizations have developed the 2025-2035 Cancer Control Plan, which is a blueprint for saving lives through prevention, screening and early intervention while promoting quality of life for North Dakotans living with cancer.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the state. Every day, 11 North Dakotans are told they have cancer, and four North Dakotans die from cancer. However, these statistics can change through efforts that encourage healthier lifestyle choices, expand education and awareness, and improve access to early screening and effective treatment.
“We encourage North Dakotans to reach out to their health care provider to talk about cancer screenings,” said HHS Comprehensive Cancer Control Program Director Annette Clark. “Early screening and detection save lives.”
In collaboration with community partners, HHS offers help with breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings to qualifying uninsured and underinsured individuals. People can learn more at hhs.nd.gov/health/community/comp-cancer.
North Dakota Medicaid covers cancer screening and treatment services for members. Uninsured individuals can learn more and apply at hhs.nd.gov/healthcare/medicaid.
Clark said, people can lower their risk of cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, avoiding or stopping smoking and heavy alcohol usage and adopting a healthy diet that includes nutrient rich wholegrains, lean proteins and fruits and vegetables. Limiting consumption of red and processed meats is also recommended.
HHS and local public health unit partners across North Dakota offer additional services and resources to help North Dakotans enjoy healthier lives. Resources include:
- Free face-to-face tobacco and nicotine dependence treatment counseling and nutrition education are offered by many local public health units. Find a local public health office at hhs.nd.gov/local-public-healthsites.
- NDQuits, a free web-based and phone treatment program offered through HHS, helps people quit using commercial tobacco products including cigarettes, smokeless, electronic or vape devices, and other alternative nicotine products and pouches. For individualized support, call NDQuits at 800-QUIT-NOW or 800-784-8669.
- SNAP and WIC help qualifying low-income individuals and families access healthy foods. Learn more at hhs.nd.gov/food-programs.
To learn more about cancer, visit hhs.nd.gov/health/community/comp-cancer.