Because cancer is now the #1 killer in Minnesota and nearly 50% of Minnesotans will be diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening cancer during their lifetime.
Each year, more than 25,000 Minnesotans are diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening cancer, and more than 9,000 die from the disease. One in four Minnesotans will die from cancer. More than two-thirds of cancer deaths could be prevented through the adoption of healthier lifestyles.
Because more Minnesotans are surviving cancer than ever before.
In the year 2011, an estimated 200,000 Minnesotans were living with a history of cancer. This number is projected to grow dramatically as the population ages and as advances are made in early detection and treatment.
Because the cost of cancer will continue to rise due to a number of factors including an aging population and rising healthcare costs.
No single organization or agency can address this issue alone.