National Cancer Survivors Day: Celebrating Strength and Bridging the Health Gap

Published June 3, 2025 By Joshua Arce

Happy belated National Cancer Survivors’ Day!

Yesterday, I spent the day reflecting on the ongoing struggles and the indomitable spirit of those who have been diagnosed with cancer globally. For Native American communities, where health disparities loom, this is a time to collectively review past and current efforts addressing and improving health equity. Especially as American Indian and Alaska Natives have the highest cancer incidence and mortality of any population group.

For my family and many others, early detection is key to developing a treatment plan, fighting this battle, and comforting family. However, that is a privilege that many do not enjoy. That would be the benefit of routine check-ups, testing, and following doctors’ orders. Through decades of mistrust with medical practitioners, forced reliance on hyper-processed foods, and inadequately funded healthcare initiatives, diagnosing comes too late and treatment plans are limited with low success rates.

In the United States, Native Americans face distinctly higher rates of chronic illnesses, including various cancers, diabetes and heart disease – a critical concern compounded by socio-economic challenges and limited health care resources. For instance, Indigenous people face higher incidences of lung, colorectal, liver, stomach and kidney cancers compared to their White counterparts. With only 500 health clinics for 574 federally recognized tribes and one-third of Native Americans lacking health insurance, the need for robust health interventions is evident.

What PWNA can do:

At Partnership With Native Americans (PWNA), we are deeply committed to bridging these gaps through our health pillar. Our approach to tackling these disparities is twofold: enhancing prevention through health screenings and cultural education and promoting food security through a return to Indigenous foodways. For example, PWNA’s Healthy Living partners facilitated vital screening and education sessions across 42 reservations in 2024. Additionally, our Train-the-Trainer (T3) cohorts focus on nutrition skill-building, embracing Native food history and the concept of food as medicine. By reintroducing traditional diets, these programs reconnect individuals with their cultural heritage and promote sustainable, health-oriented food practices.

Celebrating National Cancer Survivors Day goes beyond recognizing those who have battled and won; it’s about reinforcing our ongoing commitment to prevention, early detection and fighting cancer in America’s underserved populations. Moreover, this day is a call to celebrate life, honor resilience and continue our vital work.

PWNA’s mission is sustained through the generous support of partners and donors. Thanks to them, and you, we can continue investing in healthier Native communities capable of thriving in the face of any challenge. Together, let’s honor every individual diagnosed with cancer and continue the fight to bridge the health gap.