Cancer in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI).

The purpose of this study, funded by the National Cancer Institute, was to document the state of cancer awareness and services in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and to begin to identify cancer-care needs. Findings suggest that cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the CNMI, and that the most prevalent cancers are those that can be prevented and/or cured with early detection and treatment. Key informants identified a number of cancer-related service needs, and an action plan was developed based on three priority areas: 1) developing a cancer registry; 2) increasing resources dedicated to cancer prevention and control programs, and 3) increasing capacity of health professionals and support staff.