Cancer, Employment, and American Indians: A Participatory Action Research Pilot Study

Abstract

American Indian cancer survivors are an underserved and understudied group. In this pilot study we attempted to address, through participatory action research, missing information about those factors that serve to either facilitate employment or hinder it for adult cancer survivors. One task of the study was to develop and/or modify instrumentation that could be used in a subsequent, in-depth census study. The pilot sample consisted of 10 cancer survivors, all members of a Northern Minnesota American Indian tribe, and 10 family members. All survivors reported having health problems such as fatigue since their cancer treatments. Rehabilitation counselors can assist survivors and their family members by advising them in regard to employment discrimination and accommodations such as flexible work schedules.

Impact of Cancer on Employment

“…23 In the United States, only 21% of low-wage workers have access to paid sick leave. 41 Cancer survivors who intend to stop working temporarily during treatment but lack sick leave have no guarantee that their positions will be held and are at risk for permanent job loss. Without support, those who need to maintain employment struggle to do so, which results in higher job loss and financial distress rates, potentially with long-term or permanent consequences.…”

Stories Rather than Surveys: A Journey of Discovery and Emancipation

“…This approach embraces and legitimizes participatory “voices,” rather than merely enabling participatory “actions” (Clapton & Kendall, 2002). The power of participatory voices in research is that it also assumes competence of community participants to determine and oversee action after the research is concluded (Johnson et al, 2011).…”