Abstract
Background. Storytelling is an effective and efficient educational methodology for American Indians/Alaska Natives (AIs/ANs). It has been used for hundreds of years, is well respected, and has significant implications in the oncology setting. Storytelling not only values the individual sharing the story but also offers educational information and emotional support to those who hear it. Methods. Content analysis of transcripts from an educational session in which AIs/ANs were encouraged to share stories of living with/surviving cancer identified 12 themes that revealed the essence of their cancer experiences. Results. The themes identified were: cancer journey, responsibility to self and community, getting beyond the diagnosis, cancer lessons-cancer gifts, the strength of our stories, being connected, prospering through cancer, pain is more than a word, survival is an attitude, spirituality and cancer, specific cancer issues and understanding our ways. Conclusions. These themes are a reminder for health care professionals to spend time looking at, listening to and trying to understand how cancer and its treatments affect the everyday lives of people and families we treat and how this should guide our overall management plan. They teach us the importance of taking time to listen to the stories, responding to the cultural needs of every patient and family member and honoring teach the cancer journeys of all people.
