Band Member Assists with Nicotine Research Study
METABOLISM AND STRESS MAY BE KEY FACTORS IN UNDERSTANDING WHY NATIVE AMERICANS ARE AT INCREASED RISK OF LUNG CANCER
Band member Elder Carol Hernandez has recently assisted in a research project to help Native Americans quit cigarettes and to help understand why some Native Americans are at increased risk for lung cancer.
The study was a collaboration between Minnesota tribes and researcher, Dana Carroll, who is an assistant professor at the School of Public Health, University of Minnesota. Dana has been honored to work alongside Native American tribes and communities in their pursuit for health equity. Carol was a research coordinator for the study.
There were two goals for the project. The first, was to look at reasons why some Native American adults who smoke are more addicted to cigarettes than other Native American adults who smoke. The second, was to understand why Native American adults have higher lung cancer risk than White adults.
“It is important for Native Americans to participate in research so we can gather data specific to Native Americans," Carol said. "Current data tends to be gathered from studies on persons of European descent and results may not be in line with what is best for us. Research can lead to better treatment options, new medications, new interventions, and possibly cures for Native American populations.”
The study identified a couple reasons why some Native American adults may be more addicted to cigarettes. One reason is nicotine metabolism — the speed at which the addictive chemical nicotine from cigarettes is broken down in the body. Study participants who metabolized nicotine quickly were more addicted to cigarettes than participants who metabolized nicotine slowly.
Another reason is stress. Specifically, participants who reported having greater stress smoked more than those who had less stress. Interestingly, study participants who reported less stress were also more likely to report being more resilient (i.e., ability to bounce back from misfortune easily).
Other studies, which have been conducted mainly with White adults, have shown that knowing someone’s nicotine metabolism not only helps understand why they smoke more than others but also may help identify which treatment for quitting smoking is best for them. Specifically, people who metabolize nicotine quickly may be more likely to quit smoking if treated with the medications such as Chantix or Bupropion/Zyban. People who slowly metabolize nicotine may be more likely to quit smoking if treated with the nicotine patch. However, this work has yet to be explored with Native Americans who smoke.
A next step could include looking at whether using information on nicotine metabolism to help select treatments for quitting smoking does indeed benefit Native Americans. Next steps could also include understanding perceptions on using nicotine metabolism to help select the quitting treatment that may work best for each Native American who smokes.
The relationships between resilience, stress, and smoking are also helpful. An implication could be seeing whether a quit smoking program that focuses on managing stress and building resilience can aid Native Americans in quitting smoking or even more broadly. Tips for managing stress may be helpful and include: mediation, exercise, laughing, and connecting with others.
Interested in quitting smoking now? Call the American Indian Quitline at 1-833-9AI-QUIT (924-7848). It is free for any Minnesota resident that identifies as American Indian. In addition to one-on-one coaching, the Quitline offers email and text support, educational materials, and quit medication (nicotine patches, gum or lozenges) delivered by mail.
