 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Agnes Attakai, MPA, Program Coordinator, American Indian Oncology Program, Arizona Cancer Center, The University of Arizona, PO Box 245024, Tucson, AZ 85724, 520-626-4092, aattakai@azcc.arizona.edu and Kathryn Coe, PhD, Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, 1515 N. Campbell Ave., PO Box 245024, Tucson, AZ 85724-5024.
Cancer is a growing concern among American Indians in the Southwest. Currently, cancer is the second leading cause of death among American Indians and Alaska Natives over the age of 45 (I.H.S. Trends in Indian Health 1998-1999, 2000). Lack of access to and use of early detection services is believed to be a major contributor to poor cancer survival (Burhansstipanov and Dresser, 1994). Studies have shown that one of the most effective and efficient ways to communicate cancer health information to underserved groups, such as American Indians, is through low-cost, culturally sensitive, concise and easily understood education materials. Using audience-specific print products, tailored through appropriate language, design and graphics, the Arizona Cancer Center, in partnership with the Phoenix Indian Medical Center has developed a cancer health curriculum tailored for Americans Indians in the Southwest. The curriculum contains several cancer health materials to be used by health care providers and lay health workers in their respective communities. One is a cancer fact sheet for American Indian men and women, a flip chart and brochure discussing cancer among American Indians, a booklet on American Indians and clinical trials, and an American Indian breast self-exam shower card. The items are currently being focus tested with several American Indians communities. Once revised, the items will be made available at no charge to those working with American Indians in Arizona.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.