American Indians Hold Summit On Colorectal Cancer
According to the Minnesota Cancer Surveillance System, American Indians face a 60 percent higher risk of colorectal cancer and are significantly more likely to die of the disease than their non-Indian counterparts. And while colorectal cancer rates have been falling in other populations, rates among American Indians have continued to rise.
Tribal leaders and medical professionals met earlier this month to see what can be done to correct that disparity.
Experts from the American Cancer Society, the Minnesota Department of Health, the University of Minnesota, and the Mayo Clinic worked with urban and tribal elders from Native American communities to conduct the summit. The group’s Dialogue for Action established goals to increase community-based education about the disease, promote screening programs, and develop strategies for removing the financial and cultural barriers to treatment.
The event included a traditional drum ceremony and an inspirational speech by Vivian Lawrence of the Red Lake Tribe, a seven-year colorectal cancer survivor. Participants rated the collaboration a big success. As one doctor said,
“By working between tribes to ensure the wellness of our communities, we strengthen the future of our people.”
Lana White King, MD
Health Director, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
Source: University of Minnesota Cancer Center
Related Links: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; Centers for Disease Control; Mayo Clinic Spirit of Eagles; National Park Service; Indian Affairs – State of Minnesota; Indian Health Service
Related Video: High Tech Colon Screening from FOX News
Related Podcast: Sen Dorgan Speaks on the Need to Improve Indian Healthcare on the U.S. Senate Floor from the United States Senate
Tags: David Perdue, MD, MSPH; Minnesota Cancer Alliance; Grand Casino Mille Lacs; Chickasaw Nation; colonoscopy; Marva Bohen, RN; DeAnn Lazovich, PhD; tribal resolutions; Dr Manny
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