# Addressing Pancreatic Cancer Disparities in Oregon’s Native American Population via Tribally Responsive Research Systems with The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs

## TL;DR

This paper describes a culturally responsive research approach to address higher pancreatic cancer rates in Oregon's Native American communities.

## Contribution

The study adapts the ROCR System to create a tribally responsive research model for pancreatic cancer disparities.

## Key findings

- A culturally responsive approach was developed in partnership with The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
- Barriers to healthcare access were identified and analyzed using PESTLE analysis.
- The model fosters trust and engagement while maintaining tribal sovereignty.

## Abstract

In Oregon, the incidence of Pancreatic Cancer is 2-times higher among American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) communities than among the rest of the population nationwide. We wanted to know if the previously validated Research in Oregon’s Communities Review System (ROCRS) could be adapted to investigate this disparity while upholding tribal sovereignty.

We partnered with The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs with the goal of adapting the ROCR System to address the pancreatic cancer disparity with a culturally responsive approach. One-on-one interviews with community members were conducted at the annual Pi-Ume-Sha Health Fair in 2023. Cancer-related data was requested from the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board. Barriers to healthcare access were identified and categorized using PESTLE analysis. A Tribal liaison combined this analysis with cancer-related data to create a cultural landscape. This was done in accordance with the ROCRS system.

This culturally responsive approach fosters trust and engagement in pancreatic cancer research and creates actionable insights for researchers while maintaining tribal sovereignty.

The success of this model demonstrates the potential of tribally tailored research systems to improve participation and long-term collaborations with this underrepresented population.