A progress report of cancer centers and tribal communities. Building a partnership based on trust

Over the past 20 years, considerable progress has been made in the early detection and treatment of cancer. Despite these advances, cancer incidence and mortality rates among Native Americans have not kept pace. Cancer centers are in a unique position to offer technical assistance, resources, and a long term commitment that can help address these concerns within tribal communities.

The University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center developed a proactive plan to build collaborative partnerships with Wisconsin Native Americans. This began with an outreach plan that prioritized intervention strategies. A Native American health professional was hired to serve as liaison and advocate. Resources were committed, and staff was assigned to work with the community to develop intervention strategies that would be culturally competent and able to address the concerns of community members.

Various collaborative activities resulted from these efforts. These included participation in Native American cancer work groups, conferences, and seminars. Most importantly, these efforts resulted in a partnership with the Native American community that is based on honor and mutual respect.

Careful planning, prioritization, allocation of resources, and a commitment to Native Americans can result in partnerships with the community and interventions that address their cancer control needs. Building and sustaining these partnerships takes time and thoughtful exploration of issues and concerns to develop mutual trust and respect. Both cancer centers and tribal communities can benefit by recognizing that shared power, as a reciprocal value, can benefit the whole.