93.898 National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP) CDC-RFA-DP22-2202
FDL CCC Fond du Lac Reservation
Project Abstract
American Indians have among the highest rates of cancer-related mortality and morbidity of all racial/ethnic groups in Minnesota (MN). Beginning with June 2003 funding from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Fond du Lac (FDL) Reservation, located in northeast MN, began developing a Comprehensive Cancer Control and Prevention Plan (CCCP) in order to address the needs of their American Indian service population, the majority being members of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. The FDL Wiidookaage Cancer Team was initiated in February 2003. (Wiidookaage is the Ojibwe word for “they help each other”.) The FDL Wiidookaage Cancer Team has representation from the FDL Human Services Division, FDL community members and MN organizations devoted to cancer, leading to a united effort among
the Reservation’s healthcare providers and advocates to raise awareness about cancer and to carry out cancer education activities within the FDL service population. A foundation has been laid to address cancer issues in the FDL community. The work started in 2003 has touched other tribal communities across the USA, impacted national cancer organizations, and is highlighting the unique cancer-related issues faced by American Indians. Funding as requested in this application will allow FDL to continue to take significant steps in cancer control and prevention.
Description of the Project. Major focus areas for the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Wiidookaage Cancer Plan are: cancer screening; tobacco cessation; Wiidookaage Care/Palliative Care; cancer treatment and caregiving. Tobacco cessation is a major focus of the FDL Cancer Plan. The FDL Team works to increase education and services to assist people to quit smoking. The FDL Cancer Team partnership with SAGE: MN’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program will improve access for American Indian women to receive breast cancer screening services. Partnership with American Indian Cancer Foundation and the Minnesota Department of Health Sage Scopes Program will increase colorectal cancer screening within the FDL population. Treatment, Wiidookaage Care and Survivorship will be addressed through expanded healthcare services and Community Health Services programming. Caregiving, especially challenging for people providing support for a loved one with cancer, will be addressed through the Community Health Services’ Caregivers initiative.
Statement of Objectives. The people of the Fond du Lac Community will have a reduced burden of cancer. Planned activities center around 8 objectives: cancer burden data, prevention, early detection, treatment, Wiidookaage Care from diagnosis and beyond, survivorship, caregiving and evaluation. Each objective is accompanied by specific action strategies and an expected outcome.
Methods to be Employed. Active partnerships have been developed to implement strategies to address the objectives. Data, with regard to misclassification that impacts American Indian cancer data, will be used to identify and address disparities in cancer care, and point out areas for program prioritization. Prevention strategies bring together programs centered around lifestyle and wellness behaviors; for instance, what works for preventing Diabetes and Cardiovascular disease also can contribute to preventing cancer. Evaluation is being built into programming through the FDL Human Services Division Quality Assurance Department and engaging an evaluation consultant.