Learning About Cancer
According to the Argus Leader, The American Cancer Society and Northern Plains Comprehensive Cancer Control Program will hold public meetings on reservations to highlight the concerns stemming from disproportionate cancer death rates for Native Americans.
According to one Indian Health Service report, Native American cancer death rates far exceed that of the U.S. population as a whole: nearly 300 deaths per 100,000, compared with about 200 overall.The leading culprits: Poverty and limited access to comprehensive health care.
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In addition, reservation hospitals and clinics are understaffed and have limited resources, said Roberta Cahill of the American Cancer Society. Many Native Americans have long waits for routine care and others struggle to get specialized treatments.What’s more, older generations seem less willing to admit they have cancer or talk about having survived it, said Cahill, who is a member of the Yankton Sioux tribe.
Many of us have at least some experience with cancer, either with a friend or family member with the disease. It affects us all, and efforts like this to make sure that every community has access to the necessary health care can literally save lives.
