Though the Cancer Control Program was an excellent foundation, twice in the late 1980s state leaders felt the need for a more systematic approach to cancer control.

1. The first time was in response to the receipt of a data-based research award from the National Cancer Institute in 1987. One of the first states to receive such an award, North Carolina developed and used state and local data to design and build local cancer control programs to match specific local needs.
2. The second initiative was in response to the high rates of cervical cancer, an essentially preventable disease, in this state. Dr. John Kernodle and the North Carolina Division of Adult Health Promotion received funding in 1990 from the Kate B. Reynolds Health Care Trust to underwrite the activities of a Cervical Cancer Task Force, whose findings and recommendations were reported in 1992. Most important among the Task Force’s nine recommendations was the determination that cancer control efforts in North Carolina require coordination and oversight at the state level, and that a committee be instituted within state government to coordinate cancer control efforts and to oversee implementation of the Task Force’s recommendations.

In response to Cervical Cancer Task Force study in September 1992 the North Carolina General Assembly convened a study commission on cancer. Within a year, the study commission proposed the establishment of a statewide cancer coordinating and control body. The establishment of The North Carolina Advisory Committee on Cancer Coordination and Control) by the General Assembly in 1993 indicated the Legislature’s commitment to reducing the burden of cancer in North Carolina.

The 34 members of the ACCCC include representatives from public and private organizations and institutions, cancer survivors, and legislators.