National Cancer Group Honors Cherokee Nation

TAHLEQUAH, OK — The Cherokee Nation was recently honored by being named the 2008 Exemplary Tribal Organization for Comprehensive Cancer Control Implementation by C-Change, a national cancer organization.

“This is a great honor for the Cherokee Nation and our Health Services team,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.  “For many years we have been working in several areas of cancer control, including prevention, treatment and advocacy.  This program is a good example of ga du gi, working together to help those in need.”

Since its inception, the Cherokee Nation Comprehensive Cancer Control Program has worked to reduce the cancer burden throughout the Cherokee Nation through prevention, screening and early diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and advocacy.  Special emphasis has been placed on education and awareness, promotion of physical activity and better nutrition, and working to decrease smoking through numerous tobacco control programs.  In addition, the tribe has helped those in need through early detection programs offering screenings for breast, cervical and colon cancer.

In 2008, the tribe implemented a tobacco free policy on the grounds of all Cherokee Nation facilities and began an anti-tobacco campaign through video and print.  As part of this effort, the Nation offers smoking cessation classes and works with schools in the area by developing Students Working Against Tobacco teams.  The tribe also released a culturally-appropriate “Guide to a Healthy Colon” booklet that focuses on colon cancer prevention.

“Cherokee Nation Health Services is committed to reducing cancer rates in the Cherokee Nation,” said Dr. Gloria Grim, Medical Director for the Cherokee Nation.  “The Cherokee Nation Comprehensive Cancer Coalition is one of the first tribal programs to complete a cancer prevention plan and begin implementation of the plan.    This comprehensive document was developed by an exceptional group of people who are experts in their field including surgeons, oncologists, environmental experts, public health experts, and many others.”

The award will be presented in November at the C-Change Annual Meeting in College Station, Texas.  C-Change is a national multi-sector cancer collaborative and created these awards in an effort to further advance the development and implementation of quality comprehensive cancer control plans.

“We are excited at the recognition of Cherokee Nation’s leadership in its cancer control activities for Cherokee communities, patients, and citizens,” said Kym Cravatt, Director of Cancer Programs for the Cherokee Nation.  “We are also pleased to showcase the exemplary, long-standing partnerships represented in the coalition without whom our work would much more difficult.”