The Northern Plains American Indian Lung Cancer Intervention Project is a dynamic collaboration between the Center for Indigenous Health’s Great Plains Hub and the Avera Research Walking Forward Clinic. Led by Dr. Donald Warne and Dr. Jordyn Gunville-Pourier, the project is addressing:
- widespread barriers to cancer screening
- delays in diagnosis
- limited access to treatment
- disparities in survivorship, and
- culturally respectful end-of-life care
Lung cancer screening, treatment, and prevention are being promoted through outreach and structured interventions ed by Lakota community-based patient navigators. Traditional healers will be engaged to share culturally grounded messages and ceremonial practices that will discourage the use of commercial tobacco and encourage the sacred use of traditional tobacco in Lakota ceremonies. Guided by Lakota values and community knowledge, this project has promise to transform the future of lung cancer care and prevention.
“Out of any ethnic or racial group, American Indians and Alaska Native peoples have the highest rate of smoking in the United States. In the Northern Plains, we have the highest lung cancer rates” explained Dr. Gunville-Pourier.
“Reducing smoking can reduce cancer. First, we are working with traditional healers to educate our communities about the difference between traditional and commercial tobacco. We use tobacco not only for medicine but also for praying and gift giving. We cultivate the red willow, which makes the Čanšaša, our traditional tobacco. In addition to educational outreach, we screen community members. Where indicated, we pair them with a lung health guide and coordinate access to cancer screening, which is now supported through Medicaid.”