How must goals established under the cancer program standards be directed?

Goals established under the cancer program standards must be directed toward the scope and provision of cancer care services to ensure that they align with the specific needs of cancer patients and the healthcare system. This focus is crucial for enhancing the quality of cancer care, ensuring compliance with regulatory expectations, and addressing the unique challenges faced by cancer patients.

By aligning these goals with the scope of cancer care services, programs can effectively identify gaps in care, develop targeted strategies, and implement best practices that lead to improved patient outcomes. This approach allows for a systematic evaluation of services provided, demand for interventions, and the overall effectiveness of the cancer program in meeting the needs of the community it serves.

While considerations of external programs or general health improvement can be important, they do not specifically address the intricate details and requirements of providing specialized cancer care, which is the primary focus of these standards. Personal interests would divert attention from the structured, systemic approach necessary for effective cancer care delivery.