What is the primary focus of the Illinois Cancer Control Program?

The primary focus of the Illinois Cancer Control Program is to reduce cancer incidence and mortality through prevention and early detection. This approach is crucial because addressing cancer at its root—through preventive measures and promoting early diagnosis—can significantly impact public health outcomes. By emphasizing prevention strategies such as education, screening, and vaccination, the program aims to lower the rates of cancer occurrences and improve survival rates for those diagnosed with cancer. Early detection allows for timely treatment, which can often lead to better prognoses and reduced mortality.

In contrast, options that concentrate solely on aspects such as increasing treatment access or providing psychological support, while important, do not align with the core mission of the program. Funding research for new therapies is also critical but focuses on innovation rather than immediate public health strategies aimed at prevention and early detection. Hence, the correct answer emphasizes a holistic and proactive approach to combating cancer within the community.