ANTHC Cancer Program
Cancer is the leading cause of death for Alaska Native people. Cancer was once considered a rare disease in the Alaska Native population, but now occurs at a rate equal to U.S. Whites. According to Cancer in Alaska Natives 1969-2003: 35-Year Report, cancer rates have increased 35 percent since the original report and rates have increased markedly for cancers of the lung, breast and prostate. Alaska Natives now have higher incidence rates than U.S. Whites for lung, colon/rectum, kidney, stomach and all other digestive system sites (Lanier et al., 2006).
About Us
In 2003, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) established the Comprehensive Cancer Control Program to address the burden of cancer in Alaska Natives. The Cancer Program collaborates with internal and external system partners to assist in planning, developing, and/or implementing initiatives in the following areas:
- Prevention
- Screening and Early Detection
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Survivorship
- Palliative Care
Mission
The mission of the Cancer Program is that Alaska Natives will be cancer free.
The Cancer Program works toward achieving this mission by identifying goals, objectives, and strategies in a five-year cancer plan, Comprehensive Cancer Plan for the Alaska Tribal Health System 2005 – 2010.
Vision
To provide Alaska Natives with cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and palliative education and care through a comprehensive, integrated Alaska Native cancer program.
Goal
Reduce cancer death and disease among Alaska Natives.
ANTHC Cancer Program contact information:
Mailing Address
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
Cancer Program
4000 Ambassador Drive, C-DCHS
Anchorage, AK 99508
Physical Address
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
Cancer Program
7033 East Tudor Road
Anchorage, AK 99507
Contact the Cancer Program about specific planning efforts: cancer@anthc.org
When someone is diagnosed with cancer, a long, difficult journey begins.
The Making the Journey Together logo shows a boat with a cancer patient in the bow, navigating the way. Behind the patient are family, friends, healthcare providers and others. The patient takes charge of fighting the disease, but does not make the journey alone. We make the journey together.
