title: Strengthening breast and cervical cancer control through partnerships: American Indian and Alaska Native Women and the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.
abstract: The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) has played a critical role in providing cancer screening services to American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/ANs) women and strengthening tribal screening capacity. Since 1991, the NBCCEDP has funded states, tribal nations, and tribal organizations to develop and implement organized screening programs. The ultimate goal is to deliver breast and cervical cancer screening to women who do not have health insurance and cannot afford to pay for these services. The delivery of clinical services is supported through complementary program efforts such as professional development, public education and outreach, and patient navigation. This article seeks to describe the growth of NBCCEDP's tribal commitment and the unique history and aspects of serving the AI/AN population. The article describes: 1) how this program has demonstrated success in improving screening of AI/AN women; 2) innovative partnerships with the Indian Health Service, state programs, and other organizations that have improved tribal public health infrastructure; and 3) the evolution of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention work with tribal communities.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Espey
authors.forename: Georgina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Castro
authors.forename: T'Ronda
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Flagg
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Landis
authors.forename: Jeffrey A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Henderson
authors.forename: Vicki B
authors.initials: VB
authors.lastname: Benard
authors.forename: Janet E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Royalty
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000413:Alaska; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American; D008875:Middle Aged; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control*
keywords: Alaska Natives; American Indians; breast cancer; cervical cancer; early detection of cancer; partnerships