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Native women and cancer
1Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Health Care for Women International
|April 25, 2000
Summary
American Indian and Alaska Native women face high cancer death rates, particularly from lung, breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers. Community education and screening access show promise for improving prevention and control.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Cancer incidence and mortality disproportionately affect American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) women.
- Lung, breast, and colorectal cancers are leading causes of cancer death in this population.
- Cervical cancer also remains a significant concern with a disproportionately high death rate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on cancer patterns in AI/AN women.
- To highlight promising research initiatives for cancer prevention and control.
- To introduce a national resource center aimed at enhancing knowledge exchange.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cancer patterns in AI/AN women.
- Identification of promising research initiatives.
- Description of a new national resource center for knowledge sharing.
Main Results:
- Lung, breast, and colorectal cancers are the primary causes of cancer mortality.
- Cervical cancer exhibits a disproportionately high death rate.
- Increased access to breast and cervical cancer screening, coupled with community education, demonstrates positive trends in reducing late diagnoses.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced screening availability and community education are crucial for reversing negative cancer trends.
- A new national resource center, "Native C.I.R.C.L.E.", can facilitate resource sharing among communities.
- Targeted interventions are needed to address cancer disparities in AI/AN women.