Project Summary
American Indians and Alaska Natives have the lowest five-year cancer survival rates of any racial group in the United States. Among Navajo, preventable cancers are diagnosed at later stages and cervical cancer prevalence is higher than that of non-Hispanic whites. Navajo patients face immense barriers to accessing cancer care, and there is little systemic understanding about patient preferences and social support needs. This project aims to increase capacity, collaboration, and coordination among stakeholders to carry out patient-centered research activities, with the long-term aim of harnessing community strengths and improving cancer care and cancer outcomes in the Navajo Nation. Managed by Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH), activities will be implemented through Community Outreach and Patient Empowerment (COPE), a Native nonprofit that represents a formal collaboration between BWH, Partners In Health, and the Navajo Nation. Building on COPE’s strong partnerships, the project will establish a Patient and Family Advisory Committee and formalize and expand the COPE Cancer Coalition.