1. Cancer among American Indians and Alaska Natives 1, 2 1Adapted from: “Cancer 101 – A Cancer Education and Training Program for American Indians and Alaska Natives.” Written By: Teresa Guthrie, RN, MN, Project Manager, Spirit of EAGLES, Cancer Information Service – Pacific Region, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. In collaboration with – Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, Northwest Tribal Cancer Control Project 2Some slides were also adapted from the “Get on the Path” curricula developed by Native American Cancer Research and Spirit of EAGLES.

2. All individuals should speak to their health care provider regarding their personal health care needs The National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service (CIS) operates a toll-free number, (1-800-4-CANCER or 1-800-422-6237). CIS provides personalized, confidential responses to specific questions about cancer. Please Note…

3. AI/AN Cancer Burden Why is cancer a growing concern in AI/AN communities? How does data contribute to our understanding about the cancer health concern for AI/AN Contributing factors of poor survival of AI/AN diagnosed with cancer Factors likely to improve cancer survival for AI/AN

4. Cancer Background Cancer is a growing health concern among AI/AN due to: –Increased life expectancy –Lifestyle changes –Other factors?

5. Data Tell Us Cancer is the second leading cause of death for Northern Plains American Indians The leading cause of death for Alaska Natives

6. Data Tell Us Cancer rates, previously reported as being lower in AI/AN, are on the increase Patterns for certain types of cancer vary among AI/AN when compared to whites and other ethnic groups in the U.S. Patterns of certain types of cancer vary among AI/AN in different geographic regions in the U.S.

7. Limitations of the Data Racial misclassification Undercounting Coding errors Not enough numbers to form a conclusion Cannot be generalized to Peoples of other areas

8. Leading Cancer Sites Northern Plains AI/AN –Female – Leading Sites (Breast, Lung, Colon/Rectum) –Male – Leading Sites (Prostate, Lung, Colon/Rectum) Source: SD, ND, NE, and IA State Cancer Registries

9. Leading Sites of Cancer Death Source: SEER Program Northern Plains AI/AN (1994-2003)

10. Cancer Survival among AI/AN AI/AN have the lowest five-year relative survival rate of all U.S. populations.

11. Cancer Survival among AI/AN Potential contributing factors: Late detection of cancer Genetic risk factors Challenges related to completing treatment as recommended Presence of other disease conditions Lack of timely access to state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment methods

12. Cancer Survival among AI/AN Barriers to care: Lack of materials and programs that are culturally relevant Lack of AI/AN health providers Lack of education and training opportunities

13. Cancer Survival among AI/AN Barriers to care: English as a second language Poverty Transportation Cultural beliefs surrounding cancer

14. Cancer Survival among AI/AN Survival can be improved by: Improving healthy lifestyles Increasing participation in regular screening and early detection services Reducing barriers to care

15. THANK YOU! Cancer 101 Learning Module 1