National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Prevention and Early Detection in Native American Communities

March is recognized nationwide as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign dedicated to increasing awareness about colorectal cancer prevention, screening, and treatment.

Colorectal Cancer—which affects the colon or rectum—is one of the most common cancers in the United States. Yet it is also one of the most preventable when detected early through screening.

For Native American communities, raising awareness about colorectal cancer is particularly important because of persistent health disparities.

Understanding Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer often begins as small growths in the colon called polyps. Over time, some polyps can become cancerous if they are not detected and removed.

Common symptoms may include:

·         blood in the stool

·         persistent abdominal pain

·         changes in bowel habits

·         unexplained weight loss

·         fatigue

However, many people with early-stage colorectal cancer experience no symptoms, which is why regular screening is essential.

Disparities Affecting Native Americans

American Indian and Alaska Native populations experience some of the highest colorectal cancer incidence rates in the United States, particularly in regions such as Alaska and the Northern Plains.

Studies supported by the National Cancer Institute indicate that approximately 16.5% of colorectal cancer cases among Native Americans occur before age 50, a higher proportion than among non-Hispanic White populations.

Several factors contribute to these disparities:

·         lower access to preventative healthcare services

·         geographic isolation in some tribal communities

·         limited culturally competent healthcare providers

·         higher prevalence of risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and Type 2 Diabetes

Programs supported by the Indian Health Service and tribal health systems continue to expand screening and cancer prevention efforts.

Native Americans in New York

In New York City, nearly 30,000 Native Americans live in the metropolitan area, while American Indians and Alaska Natives represent about 0.7% of the population of New York.

Because many Native people live in urban areas, they may face unique challenges such as:

·         limited awareness of available screening services

·         barriers to culturally competent healthcare

·         fragmented access to preventative health programs

Urban Native organizations such as the New York Indian Council play an important role in connecting community members with screening programs, health education, and care coordination.

Screening Saves Lives

Screening can detect colorectal cancer early—or even prevent it—by identifying and removing precancerous polyps.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45.

Common screening methods include:

·         colonoscopy

·         stool-based tests that detect hidden blood or DNA changes

·         flexible sigmoidoscopy

When colorectal cancer is detected early, survival rates can reach approximately 90%, making screening one of the most powerful tools for cancer prevention.

Lifestyle and Prevention

Certain lifestyle factors increase colorectal cancer risk, including:

·         tobacco use

·         physical activity

·         obesity

·         diets high in processed or red meats

·         heavy alcohol consumption

Protective behaviors often align with traditional Native ways of living, including:

·         consuming traditional foods such as beans, corn, squash, fish and wild game

·         staying physically active

·         maintaining strong community and family connections

A Call to Action

Colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable, and highly survivable when detected early. During National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Native American communities are encouraged to:

·         talk with healthcare providers about screening

·         learn their family health history

·         adopt healthy lifestyle habits

·         encourage relatives over age 45 to get screened

Through awareness, prevention, and culturally competent healthcare, Native communities can reduce the burden of colorectal cancer and protect the health of future generations.