There is established within the Department of Health and Environmental Control the Cancer Control Advisory Committee. The department shall appoint the members of the committee which must consist of qualified physicians, researchers, other experts engaged professionally in cancer prevention and care in South Carolina, and health care consumers. The committee shall advise and make recommendations to the department about the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive cancer prevention and control program through its review of cancer control services throughout the State. The committee shall:

(1) advise the department on professional issues pertaining to cancer prevention, detection, care and surveillance;

(2) participate in the evaluation of cancer programs and services offered through the department;

(3) serve as advocates for the poor and underserved patients through support of the state-aid cancer clinics;

(4) assist the department in maintaining liaison with the community and other health care providers; and

(5) advise the department on the administration of available funds for the prevention, detection, care, and surveillance of cancer.