Provision of cancer control services to native Americans by state health departments

To examine the extent of cancer prevention and control programs for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) tribal groups directly supported by state public health agencies, a cross-sectional survey was completed by chronic disease directors in 50 states. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses. Sixteen states (32%) reported having sponsored/directly supported cancer prevention and cancer control services specifically targeted to AI/AN populations. Few state public health agencies had developed culturally-relevant cancer education materials for AI/ANs. Although the respondents directed chronic disease or cancer prevention/control programs in their states, many were unfamiliar with cancer patterns or general health problems among AI/ANs. Survey results indicate that cancer prevention and control services are available to AI/AN populations through most state public health agencies. It is hoped that dissemination of survey results will increase awareness of cancer as a health problem among AI/ANs and lead to an expansion of the services available to this 'invisible minority' to levels accessible by the majority population.