Monitoring and surveillance, evaluation, and research are interrelated functions that are overseen by a subcommittee of the (CCC). Monitoring and surveillance is the ongoing, systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of health-related data essential to the planning, implementation and evaluation of public health practices. Program evaluation is the systematic collection of information about the activities, characteristics and outcomes of programs done to make judgments about the program, improve program effectiveness and/or inform decisions about future programming. Evaluations include surveillance and program monitoring. Research increases the extent to which cancer planning and programming decisions are made on the basis of sound evidence. Accurate and complete data and solid research form the underpinnings for comprehensive cancer control. The implementation of monitoring and surveillance, evaluation, and research are essential to all aspects of the Colorado cancer plan and are closely integrated with the timely dissemination of data to those responsible for cancer prevention and control.

Current monitoring and surveillance activities in Colorado are grouped into two main categories: morbidity and mortality and information and risk behavior. Surveillance of cancer morbidity and mortality, conducted by the and the at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, provides information on the occurrences and deaths due to cancer in Colorado.

The CCCR, established within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment by Colorado Revised Statutes 1989, Section 25-1-107 (1) (z), collects information from local hospital tumor registries, private pathology laboratories, death certificates, Colorado physicians and surrounding states about cancer cases among Colorado residents. By regulation from the Colorado Board of Health, cancer is a reportable disease in Colorado, and all reports of cancer cases received by the Department, in connection with the Registry, shall remain strictly privileged and confidential as "medical records and reports" within the purview and intent of Section 25-1-122 (4), Colorado Revised Statutes 1989.

Data from the CCCR are used to describe the incidence of various cancers, stage at diagnosis and relative survival rates. Statistics on mortality from cancer are produced routinely by the Health Statistics Section and published in conjunction with the CCCR’s data.

Determination of cancer incidence and mortality rates permit trend analysis and comparison with national cancer incidence and mortality rates. Regional differences within Colorado also can be determined. Routine reports and special studies are produced by the CCCR to keep policy makers and planners informed of changes in cancer incidence trends. Additionally, assessment of cancer risk behaviors for the population as a whole and for selected groups provide information used in designing focused interventions.

Health risk behaviors have been monitored in Colorado since January 1990 by the funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC). The BRFSS is annual random telephone survey of adults in Colorado that collects information on a number of health behaviors, including tobacco use, diet and cancer screening behaviors.

Since 1988, the at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has used a variety of surveys to collect information specific to screening behaviors for breast, cervical and prostate cancer. The purpose of these surveys is to monitor changes in the public's knowledge, attitudes and behaviors relevant to screening and treatment and to monitor penetration of public education and outreach efforts.

Other cancer control programs and organizations throughout the state gather information through surveys and special studies of the populations they serve. Several sources collect information on cancer risk factors and preventive behaviors among Colorado residents.

Additional studies on risk behaviors, physician and patient attitudes on cancer screening and practice, and other special topics have been conducted by such groups as the (ACS), , the , and other professional societies.

Evaluation is a key component of the state plan so that cancer prevention and control efforts can be directed appropriately, based on regional or population-specific risks. The evaluation uses strategies for assessing both processes and outcomes associated with comprehensive cancer control planning and implementation. Additionally, a contracted evaluator conducts an ongoing evaluation of the efforts of the Colorado Cancer Coalition. The CDC provides the framework for the evaluation model utilized by the CCP.