The Department of Indigenous Cancer Health hosted a two-day Indigenous Cancer Data Summit at Roswell Park on May 15 and 16. Our team invited more than 40 experts in cancer data in Indian Country to present and discuss strategies to update current prevalence, incidence, and mortality patterns across Native Nations.
Participants heard about Roswell Park’s commitment to Indigenous communities from President and CEO Candace Johnson, Ph.D., and a senior advisor from the National Cancer Institute provided remarks regarding their dedication to cancer control and prevention with Indigenous communities and partners.
Other presentation highlights included an overview of cancer at the national regional and tribal levels by Melissa Jim, MPH, an epidemiologist with Indian Health Service; Research Ethics and Cancer Data in Indian Country presented by Jessica Blanchard, PhD from Oklahoma University’s Center for the Ethics of Indigenous Genomics. The department invited partners like the American Indian Cancer Foundation, Oregon Health & Science University, Native American Community Services of Erie and Niagara Counties, and geographic information system experts from State University of New York at Buffalo.
We also coordinated a panel discussion with partners from across the country to have a conversation about Indigenous cancer data across the cancer care continuum and the roles that Indigenous PhDs play in cancer research. The gathering was rounded out with a Haudenosaunee cultural exchange through song and dance, as well as a session to view short films that highlight Indigenous cancer researchers and wellness experts working together towards stronger health and wellness in Indian Country. Tune into this short film to learn more about summit highlights.