"In 2003, almost 26,000 new cases of cancer were diagnosed and 10,800 people lost their lives to this disease," in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Cancer Council, along with the State Department of Health and Family Services, has created this plan to improve Wisconsin's cancer treatment and prevention programs. Major causes and environmental factors that can lead to increased rates of cancer are identified. These factors identify "populations at risk" for the disease. Milwaukee is composed of many of these populations, due mainly to educational and environmental conditions in the Greater Milwaukee area.