New Year, New Tagline!

Same Commitment to Cancer Prevention

In our efforts to increase the visibility of CDOC especially as we prepare to disseminate the 2026-2035 State Cancer Plan, we’ve been gathering input on a new tagline that clearly reflects who we are.

We’re excited to share the selected tagline:

California’s Coalition to Prevent Cancer and Save Lives

Our tagline has been revised to emphasize CDOC’s identity as a coalition and reaffirm our commitment to cancer prevention and control.  

Thank you to everyone who contributed feedback through the survey! Your input helped shape this important change.

CDOC Partner in Focus

Anna Knight MS, APRN, FNP-C

For this quarter's edition of CDOC Partner in Focus, we are pleased to highlight CDOC member, Anna Knight! Get to know more about Anna by reading below: 

"As a health consultant for the IHS California Area, my focus is to provide, advocate for and facilitate coordinated strategies that strengthen cancer screening, education and navigation capacity across Tribal and Urban Indian Health Programs. This role functions at the intersection of clinical quality, public health, workforce development and community engagement with an emphasis on sustainable Tribal-informed solutions.

My first inpatient experience in nursing was working in oncology, and it was there I was instilled with the real impact a cancer diagnosis has on an individual and a family. As a Family Nurse Practitioner, I carried forward my passion for screening and early detection to my patients. Now as a state-wide consultant I am well positioned to have a positive impact in supporting the forty-two Tribal and Urban Indian Health Programs in California to work to enhance cancer prevention, screening and early detection throughout the state. CDOC has provided me with the opportunity for meaningful connection and engagement with the necessary individuals that can support the very important work that I do.

As a cancer survivor, I enjoy opportunities to increase cancer awareness and raise funds to support cancer research and patient programs. In August, I participated in the ACS Swim 5 Miles in August challenge."

View all archived Partner in Focus posts on our website here.

Quarterly HPV Vaccination

Learning Collaborative

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

12:00 - 12:45 pm



Session Topic:

"Role of Community Pharmacy in Improving Immunization Rates"

Presenter:

Sanjay Patel, RPH

Director of Pharmacy

Haller's Pharmacy and Medical Supply

All who are interested in increasing HPV vaccinations are invited to join this virtual, lunchtime, learning opportunity. This collaborative format features a teaching topic presented by HPV vaccination experts, updates from the field, and an open forum for sharing best practices, challenges, and announcements. To participate and for more information, please visit our webpage at ​cahpvroundtable.org​. 

Help spread the word and forward to anyone in your network who may be interested in participating.

The CDOC Orientation Webinar Recording – Learn how to make the most of your membership with this on-demand video, covering CDOC’s mission, benefits, and engagement opportunities. [Watch Now]

As a valued CDOC member, we'd like to remind you of the many levels of membership engagement opportunities for new and existing CDOC members:

• CDOC Workgroups
• Networking opportunities
• Professional development (educational webinars, in-person meetings, etc.)
• Accessing exclusive content (CDOC listserv, comprehensive cancer updates, etc.)
• Spotlighting your organization's projects 
• Industry-specific knowledge sharing

To learn how you can stay involved with CDOC, view our Membership page on the CDOC website.

Let Us Know How You Use

The State Cancer Plan!

2021-2025 State Cancer Plan Corner

January 2026 Cancer Plan Corner Highlight

Chapter 8: Early Detection & Screening



January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Learn about the burden of cervical cancer in ​Chapter 8​ of the ​2021-2025 State Cancer Plan​.

Cancer screening has significantly reduced cervical cancer incidence and mortality during the past three decades. Despite an array of risk reduction strategies, the burden of disease remains; cervical cancer ranks as the twelfth most common cancer among California women (7.3 new cases per 100,000 women) and the thirteenth most common cause of cancer death (2.2 deaths per 100,000 women) (ACS, 2025). 

Please visit the CDOC ​website​ to read more on the cancer plan's ​Early Detection & Screening​ chapter. You may also read more about the specific chapters ​here​.

Contact info: cdocshare@gmail.com

New! Jan. 15: Can Micro-Ultrasound Replace MRI for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis? hosted by UroToday, The Prostate Cancer Foundation, and UCSF Patient Advocates. View the flyer. Register here.

New! Jan. 26-30: Global Initiative Against HPV and Cervical Cancer and the American Medical Women’s Association Event - Us vs HPV Week 2026

New! Mar. 11: American Cancer Society and the National HPV Cancers Roundtable Webinar - 2026 Rural Learning Community Sessions

New! Latinas Contra Cancer is Hiring! If you’re passionate about health equity and community‑rooted solutions, we invite you to explore their open positions. Visit their website here.

Open Positions:

• Prescribed Housing Navigator and Case Manager: supports cancer patients facing housing instability through LCC’s Prescribed Housing Pilot Program, providing financial housing assistance and case management as a health justice intervention to prevent homelessness during their most vulnerable time.
• Programs Manager: oversees LCC’s community-based programs, ensuring smooth operations, staff supervision, and high-quality, compliant service delivery aligned with organizational goals and funder requirements.
• Development & Engagement Manager: leads LCC’s fundraising and engagement strategy, overseeing donor relations, campaigns, and partnerships to build sustainable systems and drive organizational growth.

New! Guide: Triage Cancer Quick Guide to Health Care Rights of Immigrants

New! Guide: Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors Reducing the Risk from Radon: Information and Interventions

New! Guidelines: ACS New Cervical Cancer Screening Guideline Aims to Improve Accessibility

• American Cancer Society Updates Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines – The American Cancer Society (ACS) updated its cervical cancer screening guidelines. Key changes include allowing self-collected vaginal samples for HPV testing and new recommendations on when individuals can safely stop screening. The updated guidelines recommend that women and other individuals with a cervix – including women who have not had their cervix surgically removed, transgender men who retained their cervix, and non-binary people with a cervix – at average risk start screening at age 25 and continue until at least age 65. Review the updated guidelines here: Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines | American Cancer Society
• ACS NBCRT Risk Assessment Toolkit – The ACS National Breast Cancer Roundtable (NBCRT) has developed a breast cancer risk assessment toolkit to help support practices and providers conduct risk assessments. The digital toolkit includes comparisons of risk assessment tools to help identify individuals at higher risk for breast cancer, practice readiness and planning tools, and resources to help with clinic workflow, communication aids, and patient education. Learn more and access the toolkit here: ACS NBCRT Risk Assessment Toolkit – NBCRT
• Cancer Screening Guides for Coalitions – These guides can help build a coalition’s capacity to address barriers in lung and colorectal cancer screening. They are designed to share information relevant to cancer control planning and include guidelines, data, opportunities to engage partners, and interventions to activate and advance cancer screening initiatives. Guides are available for colorectal cancer and lung cancer screening. Download the guides here: Cancer Screening and Early Detection Resources - ACS4CCC.
• Americal Cancer Society National Roundtable on Cervical Cancer - Self-collection Webinar Series – Listen to webinars from American Cancer Society experts on self-collection for cervical cancer screening. Topics include a detailed overview of the basics of self-collection, tips on system readiness and tracking, and implementation strategies. Access webinars and materials here: Past Webinars – NRTCC

New! Video: Patient Empowerment Network Breaking Barriers in Prostate Cancer Care: The Hidden Impact of Research Gaps

New! The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are creating sample cancer plan objectives and strategies to address the psychosocial needs of young cancer survivors (ages 18–45). These resources will help Comprehensive Cancer Control Programs strengthen future cancer plans.

Important Focus:

Please note: The workgroup is not focused on adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood cancer. Instead, it will address individuals diagnosed as young adults—typically ages 18 to 39, and up to 45 years.

Why It Matters:

Young adult cancer is often overlooked, despite ~80,000 diagnoses annually. Survivors face unique challenges—late diagnosis, financial strain, and social/emotional impacts during key life transitions.

Workgroup Details:

• Quarterly 1-hour meetings in 2026–2027 (7–8 total)
• Active input on objectives and strategies
• Share experience with cancer plan development; pilot language if applicable

Interested?

Contact Debbie Webster at WebsterD1@michigan.gov. First meeting: February.

Butts & Badges Program

Help Cheeky Charity Spread the Word to Health Centers

Our partners at Cheeky Charity are kicking off March’s Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month early and your clinic or organization can be part of it! Learn how to join this light-hearted, high-impact campaign that’s helping normalize conversations around colorectal and anal cancer screening.

How It Works:

Participating clinics receive a set of free enamel pins featuring a friendly heart/butt design for their patient-facing staff to wear throughout March. These pins are more than just a fun accessory they’re designed to spark conversations, reduce stigma, and encourage early detection of colorectal and anal cancers. They’re light-hearted, impactful, and a great way to show support while engaging patients.

What’s Included:

• Educational Webinars held in February to prepare staff
• Cheeky Charity Awareness Pins for staff to wear in March (and beyond)
• Conversation Starter Guide with key facts and messaging tips
• Patient & Survivor Support Info to share with those in need

Why It Matters:

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., and rates are rising among adults under 50. Anal cancer cases are also increasing, yet awareness and screening remain low. A simple conversation can make a difference and wearing a pin makes it easier to start one.

Know a Clinic That Might Be a Good Fit?

Cheeky Charity would love your help spreading the word. If you know a clinic or team that might be interested, feel free to share the link below.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

For January, our partners at GW Cancer Center are highlighting their Cervical Cancer Awareness Toolkit! The toolkit provides evidence-based messaging, customizable graphics, and communication resources to support outreach during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

New! The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture released the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) to mixed reactions from nutrition experts and the public health community. The DGAs have a significant impact on food and nutrition policy including determining future standards for critical federal nutrition programs like the National School Lunch Program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). Significantly, this edition of the Guidelines diverged from the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s Scientific Report, published in December of 2024. Historically, the Advisory Committee’s report has served as the scientific foundation for changes to the DGAs, adding transparency and clarity to the process.

CDOC is made up of a diverse group of stakeholders that engage in important and impactful work we'd like to showcase. We have a new process for submitting your trainings, events, articles, grant opportunities, and more.  

We kindly ask you to email us any content by the 5th of each month to Joyce Ceja (joyce.ceja@cdph.ca.gov). If there is time-sensitive information (e.g. upcoming training) that you would like to share, we will do our best to include, but cannot guarantee that it will make the newsletter or announcements.  

Submission requirements: 

• Include a title
• Include the exact verbiage you'd like for us to include. Please do not include an attachment and ask us to share, a title and verbiage must be included.
• Include a contact person for any inquiries   
• Include any attachments in a pdf file if possible

We appreciate your patience and support at this time, and we look forward to your submissions.