Dr. Linda Burhansstipanov is an educator and researcher whose advocacy for the health needs of Native
Americans has made her one of the nation's leading experts on cancer and Native populations. By calling attention
to issues of data collection and the complex roles of culture in disease perception, diagnosis, treatment and healing,
Dr. Burhansstipanov has had a decisive role in elevating and advancing pubic health measurement and understanding of the health needs of American Indians
and Alaska Natives.Dr. Burhansstipanov is Director of Native American Cancer Research, a Native-owned non-profit corporation that implements extramurally-funded, culturally-competent cancer prevention, education, training and research efforts among Native Americans, and provides support to community-based Native organizations in cancer control. She developed and served as Program Director of the National Cancer Institute's Native American Cancer Research Program, and participated on the Executive Committee of the Intercultural Cancer Council and the Mayo Clinic's Spirit of EAGLES Advisory Board as well as several other national and local advisory boards and committees to promote research and programs to improvie the health of Native Americans.
Her leadership, scholarship and commitment on behalf of these underserved communities have won widespread recognition. She was honored with the 1996 Avon Breast Cancer Leadership Award by the Avon Products Foundation, the 1997 American Public Health Association Award for Excellence, and the 1999 National Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation award for Outstanding Community Service by an Individual. More important, her efforts are yielding increased attention to the unique cultural, social, economic and political aspects that must be addressed to improve health care and cancer control for this nation's Native communities.