PURPOSE/ OBJECTIVES: To describe the experiences of American Indian and Alaska Native cancer survivors to improve understanding of the trajectory of cancer treatment. . RESEARCH APPROACH: Qualitative focus group research. . SETTING: Rural and geographically isolated American Indian and Alaska Native communities in the Pacific Northwest. . PARTICIPANTS: 30 American Indian and Alaska Native cancer survivors or caregivers. . METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: The authors analyzed data from two focus groups with cancer survivors by using thematic analysis informed by indigenous methodologies. . FINDINGS: Based on focus group findings, the authors developed a conceptual model of the cancer experience called Rough Waters. Participants described their cancer experience as a collective journey involving family and friends and requiring resources to offset challenges along the way. Dominant themes were delays, isolation, communication, money, advocacy, spirituality, and family involvement. . CONCLUSIONS: American Indians and Alaska Natives in the Pacific Northwest have special cultural needs during cancer care. The current study provides examples that can guide patient-provider interactions. . INTERPRETATION: Using the metaphor of cancer as a journey, clinicians can begin a dialogue to identify what will impede or assist the cancer journey for their American Indian and Alaska Native patients.
PURPOSE/ OBJECTIVES: To describe the experiences of American Indian and Alaska Native cancer survivors to improve understanding of the trajectory of cancer treatment. . RESEARCH APPROACH: Qualitative focus group research. . SETTING: Rural and geographically isolated American Indian and Alaska Native communities in the Pacific Northwest. . PARTICIPANTS: 30 American Indian and Alaska Native cancer survivors or caregivers. . METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: The authors analyzed data from two focus groups with cancer survivors by using thematic analysis informed by indigenous methodologies. . FINDINGS: Based on focus group findings, the authors developed a conceptual model of the cancer experience called Rough Waters. Participants described their cancer experience as a collective journey involving family and friends and requiring resources to offset challenges along the way. Dominant themes were delays, isolation, communication, money, advocacy, spirituality, and family involvement. . CONCLUSIONS: American Indians and Alaska Natives in the Pacific Northwest have special cultural needs during cancer care. The current study provides examples that can guide patient-provider interactions. . INTERPRETATION: Using the metaphor of cancer as a journey, clinicians can begin a dialogue to identify what will impede or assist the cancer journey for their American Indian and Alaska Native patients.
Entities:
Keywords:
Alaska Native; American Indian; cancer survivorship; indigenous methodologies; qualitative
Authors: Francesca Gany; Lalanthica Yogendran; Dana Massie; Julia Ramirez; Trevor Lee; Gary Winkel; Lisa Diamond; Jennifer Leng Journal: J Cancer Educ Date: 2013-03 Impact factor: 2.037
Authors: B Ashleigh Guadagnolo; Kristin Cina; Petra Helbig; Kevin Molloy; Mary Reiner; E Francis Cook; Daniel G Petereit Journal: J Health Care Poor Underserved Date: 2009-02
Authors: Erin L Mead; Ardith Z Doorenbos; Sara H Javid; Emily A Haozous; Lori Arviso Alvord; David R Flum; Arden M Morris Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2013-10-17 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: Arden M Morris; Ardith Z Doorenbos; Emily Haozous; Alexa Meins; Sara Javid; David R Flum Journal: Psychooncology Date: 2016-07-06 Impact factor: 3.894