Introduction

This toolkit is the result of a partnership between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Indian Heath Board (NIHB) through funding titled, “Health systems improvements
to cancer screening through Tribal health systems.” With its mission of advocating for the rights of all federally recognized AI/AN Tribes through the fulfillment of the trust responsibility to deliver health and public health services, NIHB is committed to improving health and promoting health equity within Tribal communities. This includes improving access to cancer screening in Indian Country by building the capacity of Tribal health systems. It is anticipated that supporting Tribal communities to build effective and efficient health system practices will result in improved screening for cancer, specifically breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers.

The CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Program Services Branch directly funds 13 Tribal awardees to implement health systems enhancements through cooperative agreements. This includes the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) and the Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP). These initiatives aim to institutionalize priority evidencebased interventions (EBIs) found in the Guide to Community Preventive Services (The Community Guide). These EBIs are well researched, proven strategies to increase quality cancer screening. Further information on The Community Guide can be found at https://www.thecommunityguide.org/topic/cancer