Predictors of pain management among American Indian cancer survivors

Pain is a common symptom among cancer patients and survivors. There is little research on cancer symptom management, particularly among Indigenous populations. This paper reports predictors of cancer pain management among American Indian cancer patients/survivors and their caregivers/family in the Southwest. The intervention was a symptom management education toolkit delivered via “talking circles” education vs. general education and standard care at eight reservation and urban clinic sites in 2007-2012. The 184 participants were age 18 years or older, American Indian, diagnosed with cancer, and/or caregiver/family members residing in the Southwest. The primary outcome measures collected at pre and posttest were ability to manage cancer pain. There were significant differences between the groups in the ability to manage cancer-related pain (p=0.02). Participants reported that a close relationship – one in which they could confide with another and receive support – proved significant (P=0.0018), and was instrumental in their ability to learn and apply/adopt pain management techniques. The study showed a significant improvement in the desire and ability to improve cancer pain management among those who participated in the talking circle cancer symptom management training program. Programs targeting American Indians should use culturally appropriate education to improve cancer-related pain symptoms.