Download Walking Forward Approach

Walking Forward
Approach
Walking Forward is funded by the National
Cancer Institute with the goal of increasing
cancer survival rates among American Indians
in western South Dakota. Walking Forward has
attempted to accomplish this by implementing a
multifaceted program that includes:
• Assessment of barriers to cancer care
• Cancer education
• Culturally Responsive Patient Navigation
services
• Access to state-of-the-art treatment options
through clinical trials
• Better understanding of root causes of cancer
and related health concerns through
translational research
Daniel Petereit, MD, is the Principal Investigator for
Walking Forward. He is a Radiation Oncologist at
John T. Vucurevich Cancer Care Institute and is a
nationally and internationally known expert on
state-of-the-art cancer treatment, such as
brachytherapy and tomotherapy.
Our other program staff include qualified and
dedicated personnel at the hospital in Rapid City
and on three reservations sites (Cheyenne River
Sioux Tribe, Rosebud Sioux Tribe and Oglala Sioux
Tribe).
Our program mission is to increase cancer
survival rates among American Indians
in western South Dakota, by providing
relevant cancer education and quality cancer
treatment and care. Please call us for
additional information.
John T. Vucurevich
Regional Cancer Care Institute
at Rapid City Regional Hospital
353 Fairmont Boulevard
Rapid City, SD 57701
TOLL FREE 1-800-232-0015 ext. 2305
PHONE (605) 719-2305 FAX (605) 719-2336
10317-1208
GRASSLANDS PHOTO
COURTESY OF SD TOURISM
American Indians and Cancer:
American Indians from the Northern Plains have
one of the highest cancer mortality rates in the US,
almost 30% higher than all other races. This could
be a result of multiple causes including lower
screening rates, barriers to accessing health care,
and advanced stages of cancer at the time of
diagnosis.
Barriers To Cancer Care:
A community survey conducted by the Walking
Forward staff among 984 American Indians in
western South Dakota revealed three predominant
barriers to health care in this region, including
lack of transportation, distrust of providers and
higher costs associated with treatment, such as gas,
food and lodging.
Patient Navigation Services:
Our Patient Navigator program at the hospital
assists American Indian cancer patients with
logistical, emotional and social support during
and after their treatment to overcome identified
barriers to cancer care. This also includes
providing access to assistance with transportation,
food and lodging.
Clinical Trials:
Cancer clinical trials offer patients the opportunity
to receive state-of-the-art treatments to improve
cancer-related health outcomes. Rapid City
Regional Hospital’s Cancer Care Institute (CCI)
has a comprehensive cancer control program that
offers participation in several rigorously monitored
clinical trials within a regional cancer network.
Through Walking Forward we are striving to
increase participation of American Indians in these
trials.
Cancer Education:
We provide cancer education from prevention to
palliative care. One of the primary goals of this
activity is to increase cancer screening rates for
early detection of cancers. This will ultimately
lead to higher cure rates.
Quality Cancer Treatment:
We offer state-of-the-art cancer treatments similar
to what is offered at major cancer centers. These
treatments include chemotherapy and specialized
forms of radiation, such as tomotherapy and
brachytherapy, to better target the tumor, while
sparing the normal tissues. Surgeons, medical and
radiation oncologists work together to develop
the most effective strategy to treat your cancer.
Clinical trials are offered when appropriate.
Participation is voluntary.
Translational Research:
At Walking Forward we are studying normal
tissue tolerance by analyzing various genes
involved in repair after radiation. These ongoing
studies will assist us in developing treatment
approaches that are customized for each patient.
The ultimate goal is to develop a cancer treatment
plan that will eliminate the tumor while protecting
normal tissue.
Outcomes to Date:
Walking Forward has achieved tremendous
success as evident from important outcomes
achieved over the last 5 years, such as:
• Increased trust among the American Indian
community members.
• High participation rate among American
Indians in several clinical trials offered at
Rapid City Regional Hospital.
• Higher completion rates for treatment among
navigated patients, which often leads to
higher survival rates.