The Cancer and Chronic Disease Prevention Bureau:

• Educates DC residents about the risks of tobacco, helps residents quit use of tobacco products, and protects residents from second-hand smoke and from the marketing of tobacco products.
• Works with primary care providers, specialists, community clinics, hospitals and laboratories to;
  • Improve the consistency, delivery and use of preventive health services, with a focus on services that prevent cardiovascular disease, manage diabetes, and identify the most common cancers early.
  • Provide and/or ensure access to recommended and timely breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening services.
  • Ensure that persons who screen positive for early cancers are treated appropriately and timely.
  • Collect and disseminate data on and provide strategy recommendations to reduce the burden of cancer.
• Promotes an environment, in clinical and community settings, that supports healthy behaviors and prevents chronic diseases.

Cancer & Chronic Disease Prevention Bureau Programs

• The Asthma Program aims to improve outpatient pediatric asthma management, improve medication adherence and decrease emergency department utilization for children and youth with asthma.
• The Diabetes Prevention and Control Program reduces the burden of diabetes in the District of Columbia through partnerships aimed at policy change, sustainable community programming and health system quality improvements.
• The Cardiovascular Health Program aims to prevent cardiovascular disease and promote chronic disease self-management through partnerships that increase clinical and community connections and increase access to lifestyle change programs. In addition, the program works with health systems to implement quality improvement processes and interventions to improve the detection and management of patients with hypertension.
• The Tobacco Control Program works closely with government, community, and clinical partners to ensure that residents of all ages can achieve health by preventing the initiation of tobacco use, promoting cessation of tobacco, eliminating exposure to secondhand smoke and advancing health equity by identifying and eliminating commercial tobacco product-related inequities and disparities. Tobacco resources:
  • Vaping Information and Recommendations
  • Stop Smoking Now!
  • District of Columbia Smoke-Free and Tobacco Laws
• The Comprehensive Cancer Control Division works with community-based organizations, clinical partners, researchers, activists, policy makers and other stakeholders to reduce the District’s burden of cancer through prevention, early detection, and supporting survivors.
  • Cancer Control Plan
• The DC Cancer Coalition convenes stakeholders concerned with reducing the District’s cancer burden by collaboratively identifying and addressing gaps in cancer prevention and services. Guided by the best available evidence, local and national data, and the District of Columbia Cancer Control Plan, the Coalition identifies opportunities to support and coordinate with its members on the implementation of programs and policy interventions that equitably address the needs of all populations and communities. The Coalition serves as a collective voice, informing and ensuring these goals are achieved.
• Breast and Cervical Cancer - Project WISH (Women Into Staying Healthy) provides free breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to eligible women in the District of Columbia and its surrounding areas. Project WISH also supports patients in understanding and navigating the medical system, helps them find transportation assistance and organizes cancer education opportunities.
• The District of Columbia Cancer Registry collects and disseminates cancer data to guide cancer prevention efforts. The Cancer Registry tracks trends in cancer incidence, identifies differences in cancer by age, gender or race, examines the carcinogenic effects of environmental agents, uncovers geographical differences in cancer incidence and informs strategies for cancer prevention and control.
• The Brain Health Initiative aims to improve health outcomes and quality of life for persons living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, as well as their caregivers.
  • In 2020 DC Health conducted the District of Columbia: 2020 Brain Health Needs Assessment to assess the burden of dementia among District residents, identify challenges/unmet needs and develop a dementia resource guide.
  • The Services and Resources for Memory Loss and Dementia Care Guide helps residents find the resources or services needed to live with, support or care for someone with memory loss or dementia.
  • In 2024, DC Health released the DC Plan on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias 2024-2028. This state plan serves as a roadmap for stakeholders to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). This plan reflects the District’s commitment to promote health equity and address the growing needs of individuals with ADRD and their caregivers.