Work

A Community-Specific Approach to Cancer Research in Indian Country

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Health care leaders in a small, rural, American Indian community and university partners used the community-based participatory research (CBPR) method to survey cancer survivors. OBJECTIVES: We sought to provide support for the use of CBPR to generate ideas for how to improve the detection and treatment of cancer in American Indian communities. METHODS: Partners worked together to develop a mail-out survey and send it to the Indian health clinic's patients who had cancer in the past 5 years. The survey sought information on their experiences with cancer screenings, cancer diagnoses, and accessing and receiving cancer treatment. RESULTS: Community leaders identified three priority areas for intervention: (1) high incidence of breast cancer; (2) lack of culturally appropriate cancer education; and (3) need for a more in-depth assessment. CONCLUSIONS: CBPR's partnership principle allowed for results to be viewed within the community's context, availability of community resources, and relevant cultural beliefs and traditions.

Source: Progress in community health partnerships

DOI: 10.1353/cpr.0.0096

Authors: Tracy A. Schroepfer, Jacqueline Matloub, Paul Creswell, Rick Strickland, Diane M. Anderson

Institutions: University of Wisconsin–Madison, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center

Language: English

Topic: Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Cancer Institute