An Alaska Native Men's Cancer Survivorship Retreat

Prostate cancer survivors may have unique chronic side effects compared with other cancer survivors. Their survivorship is often complicated by urinary, bowel, sexual, and hormonal dysfunction which challenge a man's physical, mental and social well-being and life satisfaction (Weber & Sherwill-Navarro, 2005). Alaska Native men living in rural communities have limited access to social support resources. In 2009, The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) launched a successful pilot Retreat with an intensive evaluation component in Cooper Landing Alaska. In 2011, ANTHC collaborated with one of Alaska's Tribal Health Regions, South East Area Health Consortium (SEARHC) to offer the first Alaska Native Men's Retreat. The Retreat was developed for underserved Alaska Native men who were survivors of prostrate or testicular cancer. The program brought together survivors in a supportive environment to discuss and share their experiences in order to improve social support and access to resources. The South East Alaska Men's Cancer Retreat was offered on Prince of Whales Island, Alaska. Another event is scheduled for 2012. A targeted outreach effort to survivors was conducted. Through qualitative data results the study demonstrates that outreach efforts to Alaska Native community were well received and participants were satisfied with the Retreat. Comprehensive Cancer Programs and other tribal organizations interested in cancer survivorship are encouraged to consider implementing ongoing Men's Retreat opportunities. The program provides an attractive opportunity for underserved men to access social support resources in a non traditional culturally sensitive venue.