Using theater to promote cancer education in Alaska.
BACKGROUND
Cancer, a rare disease in the 1950s, is now the leading cause of death among Alaska Natives (AN).


METHODS
Building on AN rich traditions of storytelling to share knowledge and wisdom, a 45 minute play, Understanding, was developed to address cancer-related issues specific to AN.


RESULTS
Written audience evaluations assessed the impact of this theater-based education. After seeing the play, 327 (94.5%) people reported feeling more comfortable talking about cancer, 265 (66.1%) shared that they had learned about cancer, and 234 (61.7%) wrote healthy ways they intended to change their behavior.


CONCLUSIONS
A postplay discussion provided an opportunity for the audience to share their stories, concerns, beliefs, and feelings.
Cueva
Melany
M
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA. mcueva@anmc.org
Kuhnley
Regina
R
Lanier
Anne
A
Dignan
Mark
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000413:Alaska; D001154:Art; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000193:education*; D004930:Inuit / Q000193:education*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms