Understanding and Addressing Cancer Disparities Among American Indians in North Carolina: The Southeastern American Indian Cancer Health Equity Partnership (SAICEP).

Abstract

IntroductionAmerican Indians and Alaska Natives (AIANs) experience significant cancer incidence and mortality disparities, with elevated cancer risk factor exposure, lower cancer screening rates, and poorer quality of cancer care relative to non-Hispanic Whites. To address these issues, the Southeastern American Indian Cancer health Equity Partnership (SAICEP) was formed to understand and address cancer disparities among southeastern American Indians (AIs).MethodsSAICEP formed in 2021 through the Community Outreach and Engagement offices of the NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in North Carolina (NC). The catchment areas for these cancer centers include the tribal homelands for eight state and federally recognized Tribes, representing the largest AI populations in the eastern US. SAICEP seeks to: (1) increase awareness of cancer health needs of AI populations; (2) expand access to cancer health education and build community capacity to address cancer health needs; (3) develop collaborative research relationships to better understand and address the AI cancer burden.ResultsFor Aim 1, SAICEP created a virtual speakers' series, featuring prominent AI cancer researchers and clinicians, hosted by the UNC Lineberger Cancer Network three times a year. To date, 10 webinars have been convened, with a total of 538 participants. For Aim 2, SAICEP participates in tribal events throughout the year, reaching over 3500 AIs and disseminating printed cancer educational materials and giveaways. For Aim 3, SAICEP secured funding to conduct analyses to assess cancer incidence, mortality, and care quality for NC AIs, to collect information to understand community cancer needs and culturally adapt and disseminate information on cancer screening and risk reduction.ConclusionThrough its targeted research and engagement, SAICEP has successfully moved towards achieving its goal of understanding and addressing cancer disparities among AIs in NC. Future directions will involve the development of a community advisory board and collaborations with Tribes in other states.