Cancer Prevention
American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people have much higher rates of getting several types of cancer.
While some cancers may have contributing factors such as genetics or age that make an individual more at risk for developing a certain type of cancer, there are often preventive measures that can be taken to help reduce the risk.
What You can do to Reduce Your Risk
- Do not use commercial tobacco
- Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke
- Limit alcohol use
- Eat a healthy diet that includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and fiber
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Engage in daily physical activity
- Get early preventive cancer screenings
- Use sunscreen to protect skin
- Get a vaccine to help lower certain cancer risks
What Are We Doing?
- Addressing behavioral risk factors that contribute to cancer
- Providing cancer prevention and intervention webinars on what works
- Providing downloadable materials
Rates of New Cancers by Type in the American Indian and Alaska Native Population
Cancers among AI/AN Males
| Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Prostate | 52.0 |
| Lung | 41.0 |
| Colorectal | 31.3 |
| Kidney and Renal Pelvis | 41.0 |
| Urinary Bladder | 14.8 |
| Liver | 14.5 |
| Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma | 10.4 |
Note: Rates per 100,000 men
Source: United States Cancer Statistics (USCS)
Cancers among AI/AN Females
| Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Breast | 69.2 |
| Lung | 37.7 |
| Colorectal | 26.9 |
| Uterine Corpus | 17.1 |
| Kidney and Renal Pelvis | 12.1 |
| Thyroid | 11.0 |
| Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma | 9.3 |
Note: Rates per 100,000 women
Source: United States Cancer Statistics (USCS)
Resources for Providers
- National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable site contains a risk assessment and toolkit
- Albuquerque Area Southwest Tribal Epidemiology Center has FOBT Testing videos, educational flip chart, reminder postcards, and brochures
- Alaska Native Health Consortium's site contains an overview of colorectal cancer control program, posters, inflatable colon, and educational materials
