News from the Wisconsin Cancer Collaborative | June 2020
What we mean when we say everyone
Our staff, like so many of you, began this week in heartache and rage over the senseless killing of George Floyd.

Racism is a pandemic that has long plagued our nation, and it calls upon each of us to take action. Here, as always, our work can be guided by the Wisconsin Cancer Plan.

The Plan’s vision is simple:  A healthier Wisconsin by reducing the burden of cancer for everyone.  We include these last two words — for everyone — on purpose. No one should bear a greater burden from cancer because of the color of their skin. And yet,  racism and inequality continue to cause devastating cancer health outcomes  in our communities.

Racism in all its forms is a public health emergency . This is why we stand with the individuals, communities, and organizations across our state and nation calling for racial justice. 

As an organization, this is what we are doing right now:

  • We are dedicating and prioritizing resources for community-led health equity work.
  • We are beginning the Wisconsin Cancer Plan 2020-2030, which will be released this August, with a focus on health equity—the foundation on which all other gains are made.
  • We are encouraging our member organizations to understand the connections between racism and cancer health outcomes, and offering resources and action steps needed for measurable change.

Most importantly, we are listening to and learning from
the leadership and wisdom from communities of color.

Everyone in Wisconsin deserves the chance to live their life to the fullest. Together we can make that possible.

With humility, solidarity, and gratitude,
Your staff at the Wisconsin Cancer Collaborative
COVID-19 and cancer
Two new resources to raise awareness
COVID-19 is especially dangerous for cancer patients. People in active cancer treatment are more likely to get COVID-19 and need intensive care. And patients with certain cancers are nearly three times more likely to die from COVID-19 than the general population.

As communities in Wisconsin begin to re-open, we offer two new resources to help ensure cancer patients remain as protected as possible from COVID-19.
Local leaders and businesses can protect cancer patients
Social Distancing and Cancer Patients is a succinct, one-page PDF that offers guidance to local governments, businesses, and organizations on how to protect the health and safety of cancer patients, now that the statewide "Safer at Home" order has been lifted.

Share this resource with leaders in your community. Because cancer does not stop during a pandemic.

Social media messages to share with your community
Help your community take simple precautions to stay healthy and avoid increasing risk for cancer patients.

Our COVID-19 and Cancer Social Media Toolkit  offers ten easy-to-share graphics that raise awareness about COVID-19 and cancer.

Choose from branded graphics that direct followers to our  COVID-19 and Cancer resource page , or  download unbranded graphics and add your own logo and URL. 

Learn more about COVID-19 and cancer at
Networking opportunities
Upcoming webinars explore the longterm effects of COVID-19 on cancer risk
COVID-19, Cancer Screenings, and Vaccines

June 11, 2020
10-11 am

In the wake of COVID-19, cancer screenings and routine vaccination rates are seeing sharp declines. How can we ensure patients are getting the cancer screenings and vaccines they need?

Join us for a webinar that examines current challenges and opportunities related to cancer screening and routine vaccine delivery, resulting from the pandemic.

COVID-19 and
Cancer Risk Reduction

July 9, 2020
10-11 am

How has COVID-19 affected personal behaviors associated with cancer risk reduction, such as healthy eating, physical activity, and alcohol use?

Join us for a webinar that looks at some of these behaviors, with a special emphasis on alcohol use and cancer risk, and how Wisconsin’s alcohol landscape has evolved in midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

May webinar recap
COVID-19 and Cancer Treatment
Thank you to everyone who attended our May networking webinar, "COVID-19 and Cancer Treatment". If you weren't able to join us, the slides and recording are now available here:

In case you missed it
New COVID-19 resources from our partners
Tobwis: COVID-19 and Tobacco Toolkit
Tobwis, an online resource center that provides tips and tools for Wisconsin’s tobacco prevention and control movement, recently released a COVID-19 Toolkit.

It is a quick roundup of resources related to COVID-19 and tobacco use.

ASCO Special Report: Cancer Care Delivery in a Pandemic
The American Society of Clinical Oncology has released a special report, A Guide to Cancer Care Delivery During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This important document offers guidance to clinicians and hospital systems.

Connection opportunity
Join the UW Carbone Cancer Center's Community Advisory Board
Do you have an interest in reducing the cancer burden in your community? Consider joining the UW Carbone Cancer Center's Community Advisory Board. 

Members will help the Carbone Cancer Center develop cancer-related studies and educational programs that will have an impact on the community.

The Carbone Cancer Center plans to contact those interested by August 1st.
New member resource
Cancer concerns in Wisconsin communities
Learn more about cancer in Wisconsin communities and explore the newly revised Cancer Cluster Fact Sheet from the Wisconsin Environmental Public Health Tracking Program.