Background:

Cancer incidence is increasing among Native Americans and the five year survival rate for those diagnosed is lower than other racial groups in the United States. In New Mexico (NM), Native Americans are diagnosed with later stage cancer more than other races/ethnicities. NM is home to 22 tribes in rural regions throughout the state. In order to address cancer concerns among tribal communities a partnership between tribal health workers, the University of New Mexico Center for Native American Health, UNM Cancer Research and Treatment Center, and the National Cancer Institute’s partnership program was established to:

  1. Train tribal community health workers in the delivery of NCI’s Cancer 101 for American Indians/Alaska Natives; and
  2. Modify the curriculum to build upon and reflect the unique cultural strengths of NM tribes.

A cancer education training team comprised of community health representatives (CHRs), UNM staff, and NCI partnership program staff trained in the delivery of and modified the Cancer 101 curriculum over a three-month period. In June 2005 and February 2006 the team delivered targeted training to approximately 45 participants from around the state with dissemination to respective tribal communities.


 

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