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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Kym Cravatt, MPH, CHES¹, Ruth K. Hummingbird, BBA¹, Gloria Grim, MD², and J. T. Petherick, JD, MPH². (1) Cancer Programs, Cherokee Nation, PO Box 948, Tahlequah, OK 74465, 918-458-4491, kym-cravatt@cherokee.org, (2) Health Services, Cherokee Nation, PO Box 948, Tahlequah, OK 74465

The historic hypothesis that American Indians experience lower cancer incidence and its associated morbidities has resulted in a sluggish response to the growing burden of the disease among American Indian populations. Additionally, with diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases taking their massive toll on Indian and Tribal health care systems, there are very few resources to combat cancer at any level within American Indian communities. Further, the distinct relationship between the federal government and tribal governments present additional considerations for the allocation and distribution of resources. Due to these considerations, the Cherokee Nation Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition (CNCCCC) added a necessary advocacy component to its Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan. With its partners, the CNCCCC have developed targeted objectives and strategies for advocacy at the tribal, local, state, regional, and national level to increase awareness and implementation of policy support for cancer control efforts among American Indian populations, including the Cherokee Nation. Successful implementation of the advocacy component will be monitored through the Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan evaluation as well as increased resources for cancer control in Indian Country.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify aspects of a tribal health care system
• Discuss comprehensive cancer control strategies

Keywords: Advocacy, American Indians

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No