Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences

The Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (CCPS) at the University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center is committed to reducing the cancer burden in Puerto Rico and ensuring the sustained control of the disease throughout the population. Guided by the cancer control continuum, the Division’s focus is on mitigating the impact of cancer in the population through research, education, and the implementation of comprehensive strategies spanning from disease etiology, prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and end‑of‑life care.

The Division’s initiatives are designed to decrease cancer incidence and mortality while improving survival outcomes and improving the quality of life of cancer survivors. Through the promotion and implementation of evidence-based interventions across all stages of the cancer control continuum, the division seeks to foster healthier and cancer‑free communities.

Figure 1. Organizational Chart of the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences

Research Programs. The CCPS has three main branches (Figure 1): its cancer research programs, the Cancer Control Coordinating Center, and its training programs.
The research programs conduct population based, translational, clinical, health systems, and behavioral research. These initiatives address a broad spectrum of topics across the cancer control continuum, from biological mechanisms to social and environmental determinants that influence cancer development and progression. They also examine strategies to enhance prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as issues related to survivorship and end of life care, among other priority areas.

The program is strengthened by collaborations with academic institutions, organizations, coalitions, and the community. Research conducted by the CCPS helps better understand research priorities, generate and analyze data for evidence-based interventions, and enable the development of public policy based on the needs of Puerto Rico.

Cancer Control Coordinating Center. Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States, the Cancer Control Coordinating Center leads 3 (three) programs:

The Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry is , responsible for the collection, analysis, and publication of cancer information in Puerto Rico. The notification of cancer cases from by public and private institutions is mandatory according to Law No. 113 of 2010, which replaces Law No. 28 of March 20, 1951.
The Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, (PRCCCP) is a program partially funded by the National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP) of the CDC. The PRCCCP is affiliated, through a Mmemorandum of Uunderstanding with the Puerto Rico Department of Health, at with the University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center (UPRCCC). Under this agreement, the UPRCCC has served as the Bbona Ffide agent for the Puerto Rico Department of HealthPRDOH. The PRCCCP is responsible for (i) Ssoliciting and administrating the CDC funding, (ii) Iintegrating, activating, and maintaining the Puerto Rico Cancer Control Coalition, representative of cancer stakeholders ion the Iisland, and, (ii) to developing, reviewing, and implementing the Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan.
The Puerto Rico Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Program, affiliated with the UPRCCC, is a program that offers free breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostisc services to eligible women.

Mision

Decrease cancer burden and disparities in Puerto Rico through research, education, evidence-based strategies, and implementation of cancer prevention and control programs.

Vision

Serve as a catalyst for innovative interdisciplinary research and population‑based strategies across the cancer control continuum that advance cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and palliative care, ultimately positioning Puerto Rico as a model of excellence and a leader in research, education, and public health practice in cancer prevention and control.

Director’s Message

Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences at the University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, we work arduously to better understand and reduce the burden of cancer in Puerto Rico and address the disparities that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Through rigorous population-based, translational, clinical, behavioral, and health systems research, comprehensive training opportunities, and the implementation of evidence-based cancer prevention and control programs, we advance toward a healthier and more equitable future for all communities.

We are also extremely committed to the development of the next generation of cancer researchers by providing capacity‑building activities and hands‑on research experiences in cancer prevention and control for students and early‑career investigators from Puerto Rico, the United States, and around the world. Our goal is to transform the cancer landscape in Puerto Rico and globally through scientific excellence, innovation, and discovery that guides the development and implementation of evidence‑based interventions and through the advancement of health policy that supports effective cancer prevention and control efforts.

^{Ana Patricia Ortiz, PhD, MPH}^{Interim Director and Lead Investigator, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences}
^{University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center}

Team