A review of effective strategies for native women's breast health outreach and education.
BACKGROUND
This commentary provides a summary of a pilot study designed to assist the American Cancer Society in revising the Circle of Life breast health program for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIANs).


METHODS
Included are analyses of a literature review focusing on breast health outreach strategies among AIANs and in-depth interviews with breast health focus group facilitators. Over 70 AIAN breast or cervix cancer screening articles were reviewed, and approximately 20 focus group facilitators were interviewed.


CONCLUSIONS
A primary finding was that AIAN breast cancer outreach, education, and screening programs are most effective when community-driven and culturally relevant to local tribal nations and geographic regions.
Burhansstipanov
Linda
L
Native American Cancer Initiatives, Inc., Pine, CO 80470-7830, USA. lindab@natamcancer.org
Krebs
Linda U
LU
Grass
Regina
R
Wanliss
Ena J
EJ
Saslow
Debbie
D
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000208:ethnology*; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006303:Health Services, Indigenous / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000193:education*; D004930:Inuit / Q000193:education*; D008327:Mammography; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States; D016387:Women's Health / Q000208:ethnology*