Native Bidaské: New Report Examines Barriers to Cancer Care for Native Patients
Why do Native American patients face higher cancer death rates—and what can be done to change it?
On this episode of Native Bidaské, host Levi Rickert sits down with health policy analyst Grace Fox (University of Oklahoma) to break down a new report on how the Indian Health Service (IHS) Purchase/Referred Care (PRC) program impacts cancer care for Native patients.
This conversation explores how PRC works, why it matters, and where gaps in the system can delay or limit access to lifesaving care like cancer screenings, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
Native communities continue to experience higher cancer incidence and mortality rates compared to other populations. This episode examines the real barriers behind those disparities—including funding limitations, eligibility requirements, and the challenges of navigating care outside tribal and IHS facilities.
You’ll also hear how this research connects to real-life experiences, and what tribal leaders, health professionals, and communities can do to improve access and outcomes across Indian Country.
If you care about Native health, tribal sovereignty, or improving cancer care systems, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
📅 Premiere Date: March 20
⏰ Time: 12 PM ET
📍 Watch on Facebook, YouTube, and NativeNewsOnline.net
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