The first ever Northern Plains American Indian Cancer Summit starts in Rapid City, South Dakota, today.

Organized by the Aberdeen Area Tribal Chairman Health Board, the summit seeks to raise awareness about cancer among Native Americans. Representatives of 18 tribes from four states will meet with federal and health officials to discuss treatment and prevention.

Cancer is the third-leading cause of death among Native Americans. Statistics show that Native Americans with have a lower five-year survival rate than any other group in the country.

Get the Story:
HEALTH: American Indian summit aims to raise cancer awareness (AP 10/12)

Relevant Links:
Aberdeen Area Tribal Chairman Health Board - http://www.aatchb.org

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Study looks at reducing heart disease among Indians (10/8)