26:2-183 Duties of task force.

2. a. The task force shall:

(1) evaluate current trends in cancer incidence, morbidity and mortality, screening, diagnosis, and behaviors that increase risk;

(2) evaluate historic, current, and emerging cancer control strategies;

(3) establish cancer reduction goals, which shall seek to reduce mortality rates for breast, cervical, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer;

(4) establish specific goals for:

(a) reducing behavior that increases the risk of cancer, including behavior related to smoking and diet;

(b) reversing the present trend of annual increases in the rate of invasive melanoma;

(c) closing the gap in cancer mortality rates between the total population and minorities;

(d) increasing the use of screening tests for cancer, especially among elderly and minority populations; and

(e) increasing the percentage of cancers diagnosed at early stages;

(5) develop an integrated set of priority strategies that are necessary to achieve the goals established pursuant to this act; and

(6) delineate the respective roles and responsibilities for the State and other entities in implementing the priority strategies identified pursuant to this act.

b. (1) The task force shall report to the Governor, the Commissioner of Health, and the Legislature on its findings, recommendations, and activities at least biennially.

(2) In addition, the cervical cancer workgroup, which the task force shall establish in addition to such other workgroups as it deems appropriate, shall report to the Governor, the Commissioner of Health, and the Legislature at least biennially on its findings and recommendations regarding strategies and actions to reduce the occurrence of, and burdens suffered from, cervical cancer, along with any legislative bills that it desires to recommend for adoption by the Legislature.

L.2005, c.280, s.2; amended 2012, c.17, s.136.