Cervical Cancer: American Indian and Alaskan Native Women
Closing the gap
Recent progress includes an amendment to the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention
and Treatment Act of 2000 which includes American Indian and Alaska Native women
who have IHS as their primary provider. According to a 2002 Indian Health Service
News Release, American Indian and Alaska Native women who were eligible for health
services provided by IHS as well as other tribal programs are now eligible to
participate in the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and
have their treatments covered by Medicaid.
"This new Medicaid coverage will greatly benefit American Indian
and Alaska Native women and their families," said Dr. Michael H. Trujillo, Director
of the IHS. "This coverage could pay for cancer treatments and other costly specialty
care that the Indian Health Service and tribal health programs often do not have the
resources to provide. With early detection and additional treatment, the family can
remain intact and healthier for many years after a diagnosis."
Plain talk for all women
The Alaska Native Medical Center Women's Health Service recommends that women should
have cervical cancer screening exams including a pap test beginning at 18 years old
or when she becomes sexually active. With proper attention to preventative screenings
and health care, including lifestyle choices of exercise and nutrition, this cancer
can be greatly reduced among Alaska Native and American Indian women.
Sources
US Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.4woman.gov/minority/americanindian/cancer.cfm
Fred Hutchinson
http://www.fhcrc.org/research/diseases/cervical_cancer/
Intercultural Cancer Council
iccnetwork.org/cancerfacts/cfs2.htm
Indian Health Service News Release
http://www.ihs.gov/publicinfo/publicaffairs/pressreleases/press%5Frelease%5F2002/release%5F6%5Fcancer%5Fcoverage%5Fexpanded.asp
Alaska Native Medical Center Women's Health Service
http://www.ihs.gov/medicalprograms/mch/m/mchdownloads/papsmearpolicy12300.pdf
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