DOWNLOAD OUR INFOGRAPHIC HERE!
What is colon cancer?
Colorectal cancer is found in the colon or rectum. This cancer can develop from the formation of polyps, or abnormal growths, that develop in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can detect cancer in the beginning stages as well as polyps that should be removed before they advance to cancer.
In one study, rates of colorectal cancer between 2012-2016 were 1.38 times higher in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) males compared with non-Hispanic white (NHW) males and 1.36 times higher in AI/AN females than NHW females.[1]
IHS Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) data indicate lower screening among AI/AN people nationwide.[2]
In 2017, some Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) were meeting colorectal screening targets, while others struggled to meet their goals. On average, UIO screening was 6-18% lower than its target goal of 40.2% of patients eligible for screening.[3]
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer among American Indian and Alaska Native people and the second leading cause of cancer death.[4][5]
BIOLOGICAL RISK FACTORS
- Age
- History of:
- Colorectal polyps or cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Family history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps
- Certain inherited syndromes:
- Lynch syndrome
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Attenuated FAP (AFAP)
- Gardner syndrome
- Turcot syndrome
- Rare inherited syndromes
- Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS)
- MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP)
- Racial and ethnic background
- Having type 2 diabetes
SCREENING TESTS
All individuals aged 45 and older should be screened for colorectal cancer.
- Stool Tests
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy)
REDUCE YOUR RISK
- Manage your diet by:
- Limiting red and processed meats
- Eating more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
- Quitting smoking
- Abstaining from alcohol
