Native peoples tend to have higher cancer incidence and/or mortality rates than the general U.S. population, are underserved in terms of cancer programs, and are under-represented in research professions. Special Population Networks (SPNs), an initiative of the National Cancer Institute, have been funded to reduce these disparities. This symposium features the work of SPNs working with Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. Although working in different regions and with different groups, these SPNs share several elements. All are providing community education and awareness, cancer advocacy, development of Native researchers, assistance with grant writing, and links to funding and training opportunities. For all, work is guided by community elders, who assure that SPN activities are in harmony with Native values and cultural protocol. Advisory boards are comprised predominantly of Native peoples. In this symposium, representatives of these SPNs will address questions of interest to public health professionals working in Native communities, e.g., Which strategies are successful in engaging Native communities in cancer awareness, training, and research? How do Native communities assess their needs and priorities relative to cancer? How are SPNs identifiying Native peoples interested in research careers, and which mechanisms are available to support their development? How are Native advisors selected, and how are board leadership and member skills developed? Speakers from the three Native communties will describe their SPNs and address these questions. See www.nci.nih.gov
Learning Objectives: By the end of this symposium, participants will: 1) understand the disproportionate burden of cancer on Native peoples, 2) know about the work of NCI Special Population Networks (SPNs) in Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities, and 3) be able to describe common elements of these SPNs, e.g., attention to cultural vales and commitment to community involvement in decision making, skills development, and dissemination.
Keywords: Cancer, Ethnic Minorities
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: National Cancer Institute, Special Populations Networks
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.