Colorado Launches Five-Year Plan to Reduce Cancer Risk and Improve Care Statewide

New 2026–2030 Colorado Cancer Plan outlines priorities for prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship 

DENVER (Feb. 23, 2026) — The Colorado Cancer Coalition, led by Trailhead Institute in partnership with The Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (CCCCP), today announced the launch of the 2026–2030 Colorado Cancer Plan — a five-year roadmap to reduce cancer risk, incidence, and mortality across the state.

For more than 30 years, the Colorado Cancer Plan has guided statewide efforts to prevent cancer, detect it earlier, improve treatment, and strengthen survivorship support. The new plan was developed by public health leaders, clinicians, researchers, community organizations, survivors, and caregivers, drawing on the latest data, lived experience, and evidence-based strategies.

The 2026–2030 Plan outlines eight priority goals:

  • Keep cancer prevention and care aligned with emerging best practices

  • Reduce tobacco use across Colorado

  • Increase prevalence of healthy behaviors

  • Increase the uptake of clinical interventions to prevent and reduce cancer risk

  • Decrease environmental exposures—such as radon and poor air quality—that increase cancer risk

  • Increase cancer screening and early detection rates

  • Ensure consistent access to diagnostic and treatment services that meet nationally recognized standards

  • Improve the mental, emotional, behavioral, and financial well-being of people affected by cancer

“As Colorado changes and grows, we have to keep finding better ways to prevent cancer, catch it earlier, and support people through treatment and beyond,” said Michele Shimomura, President and Executive Director of Trailhead Institute. “This is work no one organization can do alone. It takes all of us — partners across the Colorado Cancer Coalition, our Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, and communities across the state — working together to turn this plan into real progress over the next five years. Whether you’re a clinician, a public health professional, a caregiver, a survivor, or an advocate, you have a role to play.”

Trailhead Institute serves as the program office for the Colorado Cancer Coalition, building its capacity through fundraising, community engagement, resource sharing, and coordination across Colorado’s oncology community. The Colorado Cancer Coalition advances the goals of the Colorado Cancer Plan through nine volunteer-led task forces focused on breast cancer; colorectal cancer; HPV vaccination; Latino community; lung cancer; patient navigation; pediatric, adolescent and young adult cancers; skin cancer; and survivorship and palliative care.

Public health, health care, academic, philanthropic, and community-based leaders are encouraged to support implementation by joining a task force and aligning their work with the plan’s priorities. Task forces meet monthly or bi-monthly to carry out action plans.

To learn more about the 2026–2030 Colorado Cancer Plan and get involved, visit www.coloradocancercoalition.org or contact Ella Meyer, CCC Program Manager, at [email protected].