Cancer

Each year, more than 1.2 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer.  There are more than 100 types of cancer that cause abnormal cells to grow out of control and invade and destroy other tissues. Cancer is now the leading cause of death in Idaho.  Learn more about Cancer in Idaho

Public Health - Idaho North Central District (PH-INCD) promotes cancer awareness and prevention by encouraging screening, building partnerships, promoting media campaigns, providing healthcare provider education, and attending community-based programs and events.

Cancer Awareness and Prevention (CAP) Coalition of North Central Idaho

The CAP Coalition was formed to assist in planning and implementing a strategic plan to increase cancer screening rates and decrease cancer incidence in our area. The coalition is currently focused on improving colon cancer screening rates and preventing skin cancer. The coalition typically meets the second Tuesday of odd-numbered months at 12:00 pm at Public Health - Idaho North Central District in Lewiston, ID. Interested community members are encouraged to attend. If you would like to learn more about the Cancer Awareness and Prevention Coalition, please contact our health education specialist at 208-799-3100.

Worksite Wellness

PH-INCD is looking for businesses that would like to offer cancer screening and prevention education to their employees. On-site educational presentations are free and can range from 15 minutes to 2 hours.  Materials, including brochures and posters are also available at no cost. If you are interested in learning more about this project, please contact our health education specialist at (208) 799-3100.

Team Sun Safety

Individuals obtain over half of their lifetime UV/sun exposure before the age of 18.  Most young children are under the supervision of childcare providers during peak sun hours so it is very important for sun protection to be practiced by childcare centers and staff.  The purpose of the Team Sun Safety project is to increase the practice of sun safety in schools and childcare centers by:

• Enacting sun safety policies
• Creating sun safe environments
• Encouraging the use of sun protective clothing and sunscreen
• Educating administration, staff, and parents on the importance of sun safety

On-site trainings for staff and parents are available.  All participating childcare centers and schools will receive a free Team Sun Safety binder and CD-ROM. Please contact our health education specialist to schedule a training at your organization, (208) 799-3100.

No Sun for Baby

Public Health - Idaho North Central District has partnered with local hospitals to educate new parents about the importance of protecting their babies from the sun through a program called No Sun for Baby.  Participants receive a sun hat for their infant as well as important sun safety messages, one of which is to avoid using sunscreen during the first six months of life.  However, if adequate clothing and shade are not available, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises using sunscreen on small areas of the baby’s body such as the face and back of the hands. To learn more about this program, contact our health education specialist at (208) 799-3100.

Sun Safe in the School Years

With skin cancer rates rising and high rates of tanning bed use, reminding teenagers to protect their skin from harmful UV rays is more important than ever.  PH-INCD would like to partner with schools, community organizations, and other groups that work with youth to provide sun safety and tanning education to young adults.  Encourage youth to Go With Your Own Glow.  To learn more about this program, contact our health education specialist at (208)799-3100.