Cancer control research among American Indians and Alaska natives: a paradigm for research needs in the next millennium

Cancer currently ranks as the second leading cause of death among American Indians (AI) and Alaska Natives (AN) though it was an uncommon occurrence among these populations at the turn of the century. A series of national surveys was conducted to provide a comprehensive overview of the limited cancer control programs organized to aid AI/AN populations. Results show that the rate ratios for cancer incidence among AIs were 0.41, for males, and 0.51, for females from 1988 to 1992 compared to non-Hispanic whites. The cancer incidence rate within the same period for AN were 0.77 and 0.98 in males and females, respectively.