Sanford Health researchers to explore origin of cervical cancer in American Indian women

A grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is allowing Sanford Health researchers to explore the origin of cervical cancer in American Indian women.

The five-year grant totals nearly $1.6 million. Sanford scientist Subhash Chauhan, PhD, is the principal investigator leading a team of seven researchers.

"Cervical cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide," said Chauhan. "This grant will allow us to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in American Indian women and also serves as a platform to reduce it in other underserved populations."

According to Chauhan, American Indian women living in the northern plains experience a greater incidence of cervical cancer. Sanford studies have shown American Indian women have a higher incidence of human papillomavirus, an early indicator of cervical cancer, than Caucasian women. The study also seeks to determine if a link exists between smoking and cervical cancer. Four times more American Indian women smoke than Caucasian women.