Communicating Native American Cancer Efforts and Resources in the Great Plains.

Abstract

American Indians' cancer disparities vary by region, signifying the importance of understanding community-specific levels of readiness to address cancer. Twenty-four key respondents from an urban American Indian community in the Great Plains, community leaders (n = 8), educators (n = 8), and students (n = 8), were interviewed following the Community Readiness Model. Using framework analysis, we qualitatively examined data related to efforts and resources in interview transcripts. One overarching emergent theme and three subthemes were identified. We found that communication of efforts and resources is critical to increasing community readiness to address cancer and is most successful when the community (1) prioritizes cancer as an issue in the community, (2) cultivates trusting relationships among stakeholders, and (3) practices cultural responsiveness in efforts. These findings emphasize the need for better communication of cancer efforts and resources and can inform strategic efforts to promote cancer prevention, treatment, and research among American Indians/Alaska Natives in the Great Plains.