Sered’s and Tabory’s analysis of Israeli breast cancer patients notes the ways “the struggle to maintain humanness” hinges on the development and sustenance of respectful and interdependent social relations between patients and medical providers (MAQ 13(2):223-252, 1999). In contrast, informal and semi-structured interviews between 1996-1999 with California Indians reveals that when cancers of different types strike, social relations bteween lay people are perceived to enhance survival. Social, spiritual, and emotional assistance from other lay people alleviate feelings of shame and stress associated with a cancer diagnosis. Clinicians are rarely the foci of these survival narratives - relationships are. Although some people prefer to share information within family circles, interactions with a variety of individuals about cancer concerns are often felt to contribute to the ability of the patient to develop therapeutic strategies. This paper will examine how meanings of cancer “survival” are being incorporated into a Native cancer support program in California. Core community values and communication patterns provide the foundation for a rural based program of home visits, telephone contacts, and group presentations. The employment of community involvement through several informal network approaches and formal research methods ensure the cultural competence and dynamism of this program.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participants will be able to: 1. Describe at least three types of relationships that influence cancer survival among California Natives 2. Identify the ways informal support networks provide the structure of a formal support group 3. Develop ideas for the creation of culturally competent cancer support programs
Keywords: American Indians, Cancer
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The Helping Path Native American Cancer Support Program
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.