About C-NACHE

The Center for Native American Cancer Health Equity (C-NACHE) at Northern Arizona University is a research and community partnership dedicated to reducing cancer disparities in Native American communities. Rooted in intertribal collaboration and guided by a robust Community Advisory Board (CAB), C-NACHE centers the voices, strengths, and wisdom of Native communities to drive culturally responsive cancer prevention, screening, and policy change. 

Funded by the American Cancer Society, C-NACHE supports projects that address structural drivers of cancer inequities — such as marginalization, limited access to care, and environmental risk factors — while building capacity in Native-led research and advocacy.

ACS-Funded Projects Under the C-NACHE Umbrella

C-NACHE currently supports three core projects funded by the American Cancer Society. Each project advances cancer equity through research, education, and community engagement. Please visit the CNACHE website to learn more about the projects below.

Learn More About C-NACHE Projects

  • Increasing breast and cervical cancer screening for Native American women with intellectual and developmental disabilities, exploring the influence of caregivers, and testing program implementation. This project strengthens self-advocacy, health literacy, and cancer prevention for a population historically underserved in screening programs.

  • Investigating legacy mining contaminants and their relationship with kidney cancer, translating findings into tools for early detection and exposure reduction. These tools empower the Navajo Nation to guide culturally responsive cancer prevention and policy.

  • Analyzing cancer data for the Navajo Nation, creating a user-friendly dashboard, and building a prevention and control plan with stakeholders. The workgroup provides actionable data and tools for Native communities and healthcare systems, fostering safer environments, better monitoring, and stronger health infrastructure.

Call-to-Action

C-NACHE welcomes collaboration with tribal communities, students, researchers, and partners who are committed to advancing cancer health equity.

Stay Connected: