Cancer data profiles for local cancer prevention and control initiatives

Four state health agency interventions to extend a state data-based planning model to regional areas via development of regional cancer profiles are analyzed. The content of and the process used to develop profiles in each state are characterized in terms of the objectives, target audience, cancer sites addressed, level and type of data presented, plan for profile evaluation as well as factors that influenced these characteristics and common challenges. Consistency is observed across states in profile characteristics, in the factors influencing these characteristics, and in implementation challenges.