az3We are proud to partner with tribes from across the state to promote cancer prevention. This month, the Office of Cancer Prevention and Control hosted the 10th Annual Tribal Collaborative Conference in partnership with the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, Tohono O’odham Nation, San Carlos Apache Tribe, and Gila River Indian Community.

In Arizona, cancer is the leading cause of death.

For American Indians/Alaskan Natives in the United States, cancer is now the second leading cause of death . The conference primarily focuses on sharing best practice and updates or changes in health care systems or tribal administration, systems change strategies, population health, and provides clinical education specific to cancer.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided ADHS and the Arizona tribal cancer programs with technical support and guidance as the collaborative efforts began over ten years ago. The conference evolved into a premier meeting of state experts and leaders in cancer prevention and control. Evaluation feedback from previous conferences has consistently been positive, illustrating the valuable collaborative opportunities the conference has created for attendees. The meeting conference was held in Flagstaff on November 15 to 17. We will continue to work with our state’s tribes to bring awareness about cancer prevention strategies.