What if the biggest barrier to cancer prevention in Indigenous communities isn’t awareness, but how disconnected our systems are?
In this episode, William “Billy” Carson, a postdoctoral researcher at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, explains the barriers Indigenous patients face throughout the cancer care continuum, from prevention and screening to specialty treatment and genetic counseling. He shares how Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and its Department of Indigenous Cancer Health collaborate with tribal nations and urban Indigenous organizations to close gaps through patient navigation, stronger referral pathways, and better coordination across healthcare systems. Billy also discusses how some cancer diagnoses require patients to travel far beyond major urban hospitals to access the right specialists, while chronic underfunding limits what urban Indian organizations can realistically provide. He emphasizes that improving how healthcare services are promoted online can be a practical and impactful first step toward increasing access without requiring major new funding.
Tune in to hear how Billy is building the research and policy case for a more connected, accessible cancer care system for Indigenous communities.
Resources
Connect with William “Billy” Carson on LinkedIn.
Follow Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Department of Indigenous Cancer Health on LinkedIn or visit the website here.
If you have questions about Tribal Health, please reach out to hello@tribalhealth.com
