In collaboration with the Illinois Cancer Partnership and Simmons Cancer Insitute at SIU, the Illinois Department of Public Health has released the 2016-2021 Illinois Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan. This plan provides a framework to reduce the cancer burden in Illinois through the implementation of high need, high feasibility, and evidence-based strategies. It is intended for individuals and organizations to mobilize for policy, environmental, and system change; health equity advocacy; program development; clinical improvements; evaluation and surveillance enhancements; and other cancer prevention and control efforts. Effective implementation of these ambitious, yet imperative goals, will require an ongoing, coordinated, and collaborative effort. Working collaboratively will strengthen the fight against cancer, decreasing death and suffering and enriching the lives of the people of the State of Illinois.