A progress report of cancer centers and tribal communities: Building a partnership based on trust

Over the past 20 years, considerable progress has been made in the early detection and treatment of cancer, but cancer incidence and mortality rates among Native Americans have not kept pace.

Abstract

Careful planning, prioritization, allocation of resources, and a commitment to Native Americans can result in partnerships with the community and interventions that address their cancer control needs. Building and sustaining these partnerships takes time and thoughtful exploration of issues and concerns to develop mutual trust and respect. Both cancer centers and tribal communities can benefit by recognizing that shared power, as a reciprocal value, can benefit the whole.