A review of effective strategies for native women's breast health outreach and education.

BACKGROUND: This commentary provides a summary of a pilot study designed to assist the American Cancer Society in revising the Circle of Life breast health program for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIANs). METHODS: Included are analyses of a literature review focusing on breast health outreach strategies among AIANs and in-depth interviews with breast health focus group facilitators. Over 70 AIAN breast or cervix cancer screening articles were reviewed, and approximately 20 focus group facilitators were interviewed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A primary finding was that AIAN breast cancer outreach, education, and screening programs are most effective when community-driven and culturally relevant to local tribal nations and geographic regions.