From survivorship to thrivership: native peoples weaving a healthy life from cancer.

Background: In this commentary, we describe culturally specific cancer support and education programs that have been successfully adapted for use with both urban and reservation-based California Indian communities.

Methods: The Native American Cancer Survivor Support Circles were initiated in Los Angeles County in 2000 and were tailored for specific use with reservation-based communities in 2002. Support circles include culturally respectful ground rules, prayers, and culturally specific education topics (spirituality, coping with chemotherapy) and psychosocial support as well.

Communicating respectfully with American Indian and Alaska natives: lessons from the California Health Interview Survey.

Background. California is home to the largest number of American Indians in the United States, including large numbers of residents who are from tribes outside of the state, in addition to Alaska Natives. In 2000 to 2001, the California Health Interview Survey randomly surveyed, by telephone, approximately 54,122 households throughout the state, focusing on public health and access to health care.