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Cancer is a growing problem among American Indians and Alaska Natives. Unfortunately, both non-Native and First Nations peoples are less aware of the growing cancer dilemma than they are of alcohol, violence, diabetes, and other well-promoted and widely dispersed conditions within Native communities. In the second half of the twentieth century, cancer has become the leading cause of death for Alaska Native women and is the second leading cause of death among Alaska Native men.2,3,4 In fact, cancer is currently the third leading cause of death for all North American Natives5 and is the second leading cause of death among American Indians (both sexes) over age 45.3 The disease is the third most cited reason for hospital stays among Indian Health Service beneficiaries served by the Alaska Area Native Indian Health Service.3 Cancer rates, previously reported as less frequent in American Indian and Alaska Natives, have been increasing throughout the last twenty years.4 Incidence rates among Alaska Natives have exceeded “U.S. All Races” rates for most cancer sites.6 Rates are increasing similarly for Canadian bands.7 Within Native American communities, health programs continue to focus on alcoholism and diabetes, although cancer is responsible for more deaths than either of these conditions.8 Because the word cancer is not indigenous, it translates into some Native languages as “the disease for which there is no |
