![\"four](\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/256\/2024\/07\/Darold-Julie-w-Devine-Holmes-Jessica-Onsae_American-Indian-Disability-Summit-in-April-2024_cropped-600x439.jpg\")
Dr. Darold Joseph and Dr. Julie Armin with Devine Holmes and Jessica Onsae at the American Indian Disability Summit in April 2024.<\/em><\/h6>\nThis project aims to address the social determinants of health related to education and social context by enhancing reproductive health knowledge among women with IDD and evaluating how caregiver and institutional settings impact access to cancer screenings. The project will also explore policy and practice factors to improve cancer screening interventions, focusing on testing the effectiveness of the My Health My Choice (MHMC) program for Native American women with IDD and identifying influences on screening uptake using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).<\/span><\/p>\nSpecific aims of the project include:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Aim 1<\/strong>: Conducting a wait list control trial of MHMC, examining increased cancer screening receipt among Native American women with IDD and their caregivers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Aim 2<\/strong>: Explore the dimensions of relationships between caregivers\/supporters and women with IDD in preparation for an examination of the relationships\u2019 effects on screening decision-making.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Aim 3<\/strong>: Identify multi-level factors relevant to the promotion of real-world uptake of the MHMC within disability- and native-serving agencies.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This project aligns with the overall goals of C-NACHE to improve cancer screening rates among Native Americans, while also addressing the needs of a largely underserved cancer health equity group, Native American women with IDD.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nTo learn more about the amazing cancer researchers behind this impactful project, read the Q&A below.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nC-NACHE principal investigators<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n![\"Dr.](\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/256\/2024\/07\/JosephD_Condensed-Profile-Pic_cropped-1-800x600.jpg\")
<\/div>Dr. Darold Joseph<\/span><\/b>, Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Specialties at the College of Education <\/span>at Northern Arizona University and Director for the Institute for Native-serving Educators, is the co-principal investigator of the “<\/span>Improving Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening for Native American Women with <\/i>IDD<\/i>“<\/span>\u00a0research project.<\/div><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n![\"Dr.](\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/256\/2024\/07\/CCA_Julie_1676-800x600.jpg\")
<\/div>Dr. Julie Armin<\/span><\/b>, Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Arizona, is the co-principal investigator of the <\/span>\u201c<\/span><\/i>Improving Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening for Native American Women with IDD<\/i>\u201d <\/span><\/i>research project.<\/div><\/div><\/b><\/span><\/p>\nQ&A<\/span><\/b> section<\/span><\/h2>\nQuestion topics<\/i><\/strong>: Research Journey, Breakthroughs and Discoveries, Challenges and Solutions, Collaborative Efforts, Advancements in Technology, Community-Centered Research, Education and Awareness, Future Directions, and Personal Reflections.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\nQ: What inspired you to pursue a career in cancer research?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nA<\/span><\/b>: \u201cMy inspiration to engage in research stems from growing up in the rural Village of Moenkopi and small town of Tuba City. My lived experiences have led me to understand that Indigenous strengths and assets from a cultural lens are always accessible and available but not often represented in research engaging Indigenous communities.\u00a0 This lens has led me to pursue research that addresses the educational\/health inequities and disparities existing in our communities that affect the health and well-being of individuals with and without disabilities. Conducting cancer prevention research with my colleague and Co-PI Dr. Julie Armin, is an example of this with our project titled, \u201cImproving Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening for Native American Women with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (<\/span>NAWwIDD<\/span>)<\/span>\u201d,<\/span> aimed to provide culturally responsive cancer screening education and navigation practices for <\/span>NAWwIDD<\/span> to increase breast and cervical cancer screening among this population.<\/span>\u201d<\/em> <\/span>– Dr. Joseph\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nA<\/span><\/b>: \u201cBefore I decided to attend graduate school, I worked for the American Cancer Society as a Media Relations Manager. In that position, I was lucky enough to work with and learn from many of the community-focused staff and volunteers. They educated me about the inequities in cancer care access that exist in the U.S. These insights drove and continue to drive my interest in studying ways to improve communities\u2019 connections to cancer care services.<\/span><\/span>\u201d – Dr. Armin<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\nQ: What has been the most significant breakthrough or discovery in your research and what are the impacts?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nA<\/span><\/b>: \u201cOur project is unique in that we have community partnerships with the Hopi Nation Cancer Support Services Program and the Tucson Indian Center who are both geographically uniqu<\/span>e,<\/span> being located in<\/span> both the rural and urban southwest, respectively.\u00a0 Through our partnerships <\/span>we\u2019ve<\/span> learned more about the critical necessity of intenti<\/span>on<\/span>alit<\/span>y to adapt procedures and practices that are responsive to the cultural contexts for each community.\u00a0 For example, accessibility to health care services <\/span>is<\/span> vastly different considering the availability of options to choose from to receive healthcare. Additionally, the translation of medical terminology in culturally relatable ways using Indigenous language and context is important.<\/span>\u201d <\/em><\/span>– Dr. Joseph<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nA<\/span><\/b>: \u201cMy most significant discoveries often highlight the importance of everyday activities of professionals caring for patients and of people living with cancer. In one study, I qualitatively documented the \u201cworks of illness\u201d performed by uninsured patients with cancer. The <\/span>works<\/span> of illness refer to all the work people with a particular health concern perform in the service of their cancer treatment or to <\/span>maintain<\/span> their well-being and the well-being of their families and networks. This might not be the kind of work that lands on the cover of<\/span><\/span> Nature,<\/span><\/span> but it can potentially influence health care policies and priorities! In fact, I am currently working with colleagues on a project to build <\/span>capacity<\/span> for communities (professionals, institutions, community organizations) to address the needs of uninsured cancer patients.<\/span><\/span>\u201d – Dr. Armin<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\nQ: What are some of the major challenges you face in your research, and how do you overcome them or adapt to them?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nA<\/span><\/b>: \u201cThe inequities and disparities effecting the rate at which women with intellectual and developmental disabilities complete breast and cervical screening <\/span>greatly impact<\/span> the resources available to build health literacy. Even more so when considering the intersects of disability with cultural contexts.<\/span>\u201d<\/em> <\/span>– Dr. Joseph<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nA<\/span><\/b>: \u201cThe most significant challenge I experience is ensuring sustainability for projects, which <\/span>generally requires<\/span> ongoing funding. This sustainability is especially important for projects that include and engage communities.<\/span>\u201d – Dr. Armin<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\nQ: How important is collaboration in cancer research, and who do you work with (e.g., other researchers, institutions)?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nA<\/span><\/b>: <\/span>\u201cThe <\/span>collaborative<\/span> climate between our research team members <\/span>has had<\/span> a tremendous and positive impact on our cancer research project. Our partners include faculty from Northern Arizona <\/span>University<\/span> and the University of Arizona who are Julie Armin (UofA), Janet Rothers (UofA), Chris <\/span>Segrin<\/span> (UofA) and Darold H. Joseph (NAU).<\/span>\u201d – Dr. Joseph<\/strong><\/em><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nA<\/span><\/b>: \u201cCollaboration is key in cancer research, and major funders like the A<\/span>merican Cancer Society<\/span> and <\/span>the National Institutes of Health<\/span>\u00a0realize this, so they prioritize collaboration. I work with researchers that have <\/span>expertise<\/span> in areas that are complementary to my own \u2013 whether in subject or methods\u2014and I also work with community partners toward cancer health equity. Working with community partners means that their priorities might not be my priority as a researcher, and this generates creative solutions to challenges and research results that are meaningful and useful for communities.<\/span>\u201d – Dr. Armin<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\nQ: How do you involve community in your research, and why is community involvement important?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nA<\/span><\/b>: \u201cOur project continues to focus on <\/span>utilizing<\/span> community based participatory and Indigenous research practices<\/span>.\u00a0 <\/span>For this <\/span>reason,<\/span> we <\/span>maintain<\/span> collaborative relationships with the Hopi Cancer Support Services program and the Tucson Indian Center.<\/span><\/em><\/span>\u201d – Dr. Joseph<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\nQ: How do you educate others about your research and its implications?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nA<\/span><\/b>: \u201cThe <\/span>My Health My Choice (<\/span>MHMC<\/span>)<\/span> project includes the formation of a community advisory board made up of medical and service providers with experience serving Indigenous communities. Through our meetings with the CAB, we provide education and updates about our project.\u00a0 We also <\/span>maintain<\/span> the MHMC website at <\/span><\/span>https:\/\/www.myhealthmychoice.org<\/span><\/span><\/a> to provide education <\/span>and<\/span> awareness to the broader community.<\/span><\/span>\u201d – Dr. Joseph<\/strong><\/em><\/span>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n
Specific aims of the project include:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This project aligns with the overall goals of C-NACHE to improve cancer screening rates among Native Americans, while also addressing the needs of a largely underserved cancer health equity group, Native American women with IDD.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To learn more about the amazing cancer researchers behind this impactful project, read the Q&A below.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Question topics<\/i><\/strong>: Research Journey, Breakthroughs and Discoveries, Challenges and Solutions, Collaborative Efforts, Advancements in Technology, Community-Centered Research, Education and Awareness, Future Directions, and Personal Reflections.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A<\/span><\/b>: \u201cMy inspiration to engage in research stems from growing up in the rural Village of Moenkopi and small town of Tuba City. My lived experiences have led me to understand that Indigenous strengths and assets from a cultural lens are always accessible and available but not often represented in research engaging Indigenous communities.\u00a0 This lens has led me to pursue research that addresses the educational\/health inequities and disparities existing in our communities that affect the health and well-being of individuals with and without disabilities. Conducting cancer prevention research with my colleague and Co-PI Dr. Julie Armin, is an example of this with our project titled, \u201cImproving Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening for Native American Women with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (<\/span>NAWwIDD<\/span>)<\/span>\u201d,<\/span> aimed to provide culturally responsive cancer screening education and navigation practices for <\/span>NAWwIDD<\/span> to increase breast and cervical cancer screening among this population.<\/span>\u201d<\/em> <\/span>– Dr. Joseph\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n A<\/span><\/b>: \u201cBefore I decided to attend graduate school, I worked for the American Cancer Society as a Media Relations Manager. In that position, I was lucky enough to work with and learn from many of the community-focused staff and volunteers. They educated me about the inequities in cancer care access that exist in the U.S. These insights drove and continue to drive my interest in studying ways to improve communities\u2019 connections to cancer care services.<\/span><\/span>\u201d – Dr. Armin<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n A<\/span><\/b>: \u201cOur project is unique in that we have community partnerships with the Hopi Nation Cancer Support Services Program and the Tucson Indian Center who are both geographically uniqu<\/span>e,<\/span> being located in<\/span> both the rural and urban southwest, respectively.\u00a0 Through our partnerships <\/span>we\u2019ve<\/span> learned more about the critical necessity of intenti<\/span>on<\/span>alit<\/span>y to adapt procedures and practices that are responsive to the cultural contexts for each community.\u00a0 For example, accessibility to health care services <\/span>is<\/span> vastly different considering the availability of options to choose from to receive healthcare. Additionally, the translation of medical terminology in culturally relatable ways using Indigenous language and context is important.<\/span>\u201d <\/em><\/span>– Dr. Joseph<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n A<\/span><\/b>: \u201cMy most significant discoveries often highlight the importance of everyday activities of professionals caring for patients and of people living with cancer. In one study, I qualitatively documented the \u201cworks of illness\u201d performed by uninsured patients with cancer. The <\/span>works<\/span> of illness refer to all the work people with a particular health concern perform in the service of their cancer treatment or to <\/span>maintain<\/span> their well-being and the well-being of their families and networks. This might not be the kind of work that lands on the cover of<\/span><\/span> Nature,<\/span><\/span> but it can potentially influence health care policies and priorities! In fact, I am currently working with colleagues on a project to build <\/span>capacity<\/span> for communities (professionals, institutions, community organizations) to address the needs of uninsured cancer patients.<\/span><\/span>\u201d – Dr. Armin<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n A<\/span><\/b>: \u201cThe inequities and disparities effecting the rate at which women with intellectual and developmental disabilities complete breast and cervical screening <\/span>greatly impact<\/span> the resources available to build health literacy. Even more so when considering the intersects of disability with cultural contexts.<\/span>\u201d<\/em> <\/span>– Dr. Joseph<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n A<\/span><\/b>: \u201cThe most significant challenge I experience is ensuring sustainability for projects, which <\/span>generally requires<\/span> ongoing funding. This sustainability is especially important for projects that include and engage communities.<\/span>\u201d – Dr. Armin<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n A<\/span><\/b>: <\/span>\u201cThe <\/span>collaborative<\/span> climate between our research team members <\/span>has had<\/span> a tremendous and positive impact on our cancer research project. Our partners include faculty from Northern Arizona <\/span>University<\/span> and the University of Arizona who are Julie Armin (UofA), Janet Rothers (UofA), Chris <\/span>Segrin<\/span> (UofA) and Darold H. Joseph (NAU).<\/span>\u201d – Dr. Joseph<\/strong><\/em><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n A<\/span><\/b>: \u201cCollaboration is key in cancer research, and major funders like the A<\/span>merican Cancer Society<\/span> and <\/span>the National Institutes of Health<\/span>\u00a0realize this, so they prioritize collaboration. I work with researchers that have <\/span>expertise<\/span> in areas that are complementary to my own \u2013 whether in subject or methods\u2014and I also work with community partners toward cancer health equity. Working with community partners means that their priorities might not be my priority as a researcher, and this generates creative solutions to challenges and research results that are meaningful and useful for communities.<\/span>\u201d – Dr. Armin<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n A<\/span><\/b>: \u201cOur project continues to focus on <\/span>utilizing<\/span> community based participatory and Indigenous research practices<\/span>.\u00a0 <\/span>For this <\/span>reason,<\/span> we <\/span>maintain<\/span> collaborative relationships with the Hopi Cancer Support Services program and the Tucson Indian Center.<\/span><\/em><\/span>\u201d – Dr. Joseph<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n A<\/span><\/b>: \u201cThe <\/span>My Health My Choice (<\/span>MHMC<\/span>)<\/span> project includes the formation of a community advisory board made up of medical and service providers with experience serving Indigenous communities. Through our meetings with the CAB, we provide education and updates about our project.\u00a0 We also <\/span>maintain<\/span> the MHMC website at <\/span><\/span>https:\/\/www.myhealthmychoice.org<\/span><\/span><\/a> to provide education <\/span>and<\/span> awareness to the broader community.<\/span><\/span>\u201d – Dr. Joseph<\/strong><\/em><\/span>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
C-NACHE principal investigators<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n
<\/div><\/div>Q&A<\/span><\/b> section<\/span><\/h2>\n
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in cancer research?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
Q: What has been the most significant breakthrough or discovery in your research and what are the impacts?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
Q: What are some of the major challenges you face in your research, and how do you overcome them or adapt to them?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
Q: How important is collaboration in cancer research, and who do you work with (e.g., other researchers, institutions)?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
Q: How do you involve community in your research, and why is community involvement important?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
Q: How do you educate others about your research and its implications?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n