Colorectal cancer frequent Indian killer

Colorectal cancer, sometimes shortened to colon cancer, is the second leading cause of death for American Indian women and the third leading cause of death for American Indian men. Many native readers personally know someone who has perished from this disease because it was not diagnosed until too late. It is sometimes called the “silent killer” when the symptoms are not detected until it is too late for effective treatment. On the other hand, when detected early enough it is relatively easy to treat.

March is Colorectal Cancer awareness month. People nationwide, aged 45 and over are being encouraged to get tested, especially if a history of colon or other cancers runs in their family.

Every year, 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with—and 50,000 die from—colorectal cancer making it the leading cause of cancer death among Americans aged 18 to 49. Citizens with inflammatory bowel disease or a personal or family history of the disease, face a heightened risk and should talk to their doctor about new advancements in cancer screening. Regular screening is recommended beginning at age 45 as it has been shown that early detection of cancer may result in more effective treatment.

Colon cancer is a growth of cells that begins in a part of the large intestine called the colon. The colon is the first and longest part of the large intestine. The large intestine is the last part of the digestive system. The digestive system breaks down food for the body to use.

Colon cancer typically affects older adults, though it can happen at any age. It usually begins as small clumps of cells called polyps that form inside the colon. Polyps generally aren’t cancerous, but some can turn into colon cancers over time.

Polyps often don’t cause symptoms. For this reason, doctors recommend regular screening tests to look for polyps in the colon. Finding and removing polyps helps prevent colon cancer.

If colon cancer develops, many treatments can help control it. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy and medicines, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

Colon cancer is sometimes called colorectal cancer. This term combines colon cancer and rectal cancer, which begins in the rectum.

Symptoms of colon cancer can include: A change in bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation; Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool; ongoing discomfort in the belly area, such as cramps, gas or pain; A feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty all the way during a bowel movement; Weakness or tiredness and Losing weight without trying.

If you notice any of these lasting symptoms that worry you, make an appointment with a health care professional.

Cancer is a devastating disease, but there is reason for hope. Since 1975, medical advancements have saved an estimated 940,000 Americans from colorectal cancer thanks to the incredible efforts of exceptional American doctors and researchers. By enhancing prevention and screening processes, we enable our people to cherish more precious moments with their loved ones.

The United States is at the forefront of medical technology—and recently, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first blood test for people at average risk for colon cancer. This advancement is another tool in the toolbox, including the colonoscopy and stool DNA tests—giving citizens the ability to choose the option that works best for them in consultation with their doctor. Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer among Indigenous people and the second leading cause of cancer death—but it’s also preventable with regular screening!

The test is called a colonoscopy, a relatively simple procedure performed on an outpatient care basis.  Since you are ‘out under’ the procedure itself is painless. On the other hand, the preparation which involves drinking lots of fluid with medication the day and night before to cleanse your bowels is not a pleasant process. Don’t get too far from a toilet!

If colorectal cancer is highly preventable with screening and highly treatable when caught early, then why is colorectal cancer the second deadliest cancer in the U.S.?

It’s a great question with a complicated answer. A lack of knowledge about prevention and limited access to screening has a lot to do with it, and a third of people who could get checked don’t. A missed or delayed screening gives colorectal cancer a chance to grow and become more dangerous long before symptoms appear.

The American Indian Cancer Foundation (AICAF) helps share this message, and be a part of improving outcomes for Indigenous people.  AICAF, prioritizes the creation of culturally specific, relevant, and appropriate resources.  They have carefully curated a toolkit, full of information and education to share with your networks, tribal communities, and in 2025 launched the Annual Blue Beads Campaign for National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month.

American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) people are experiencing higher colorectal cancer rates than any other ethnicity in the United States. As the American Indian Cancer co-sponsored by Exact Sciences and Mayo Clinic.

This year, AICAF with Exact Sciences and Mayo Clinic, are supporting 30 Tribal and Urban Indian Clinics to implement innovative, culturally responsive, community-based smart practices that engage and motivate community members in working towards effective and sustainable colorectal cancer solutions. This collaborative effort will provide education tools, promotional materials, policies, and support for these clinics to both raise awareness of colorectal cancer and increase colorectal screenings. Each participating clinic has planned activities to engage with their tribal communities.

One of the Clinic Champions, the White Earth Indian Health Service, will provide opportunities for the community to participate in storyboards that feature colon cancer education. Additionally, ribbon trees will be created to honor the lives and memories of loved ones affected by colon cancer. Staff will also wear “Get Your Rear in Gear” promotional t-shirts throughout the month to encourage conversations about Colorectal Awareness.

The Bois Forte Medical Clinics (Vermilion & Nett Lake Clinics) will present in-person Colorectal Cancer Awareness education to community members and clinic patients during in-person exams. Education materials and tools will be hand-delivered and discussed during appointments. Each patient scheduled will be offered gut friendly snacks, participation prizes and entered into a raffle. Throughout the month of March, community members will find clinic staff dressed in blue promotional t-shirts, promoting colorectal health and colorectal awareness month. The clinics will engage the whole tribal community by promoting “Blu Lighting” where every home is encouraged to put up blue lights in recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

The press release states: AICAF encourages our relatives to prioritize their overall health. Gut health is a vital aspect of overall well-being. By getting screened for colorectal cancer and incorporating healthy traditional foods into everyday diets, we can take proactive steps toward preventing and managing this disease. It is important to talk to your health care provider about your gut health, your family history, and when screening is right for you. Share your healthy recipe with us today for an opportunity to be featured in our upcoming healthy cookbook!

Everyone plays a role in raising colorectal cancer awareness in their communities, as early detection is always the key to survivorship. Join us to discuss healing through education, traditional foods. Learn from the stories Indigenous colorectal cancer survivors shared with AICAF, here. Together, we can pave the way for improved gut health among our relatives and future generations.

JAICAF during March special virtual gatherings this month as we honor Blue Beads: Facebook Event Page; Blue Beads: Wear Your Blue Beads All Day! Date: Thursday, March 21st, 2024

 Webinar) Ostomy with Mayo Clinic, Date: Wednesday, March 25th, Time: 12:00 pm CT; Blue Beads Fireside Chat: Native Resiliency: The Path Forward for Closing the Gap on Colorectal Cancer, Date: Thursday, March 28th, 2024, Time: 12:00pm CST

AICAF is a national Native-led and Native-governed non-profit organization established to address the cancer burdens faced by American Indian/Alaska Native people. AICAF strives to be a partner trusted by tribes and organizations and is working toward effective and sustainable cancer solutions based on cultural teachings and wisdom. Visit our website today at www.aicaf.orginics, and loved ones.  They can be found on-line for a wealth of cancer-related information. 

Cancer screening plays a pivotal role in preventing and detecting early-stage cancer, significantly improving the chances of successful treatment and survival. By identifying cancer before symptoms develop, screenings allow for prompt intervention and often result in less invasive treatments. Early detection of cancer, especially at the early stages, offers a much higher likelihood of effective treatment, and can even save lives.

Early-stage cancer detection is essential because it allows for treatment before cancer spreads to other parts of the body. Treatment at an early stage is often less aggressive, less costly, and more successful. For example, detecting breast cancer in its early stages often leads to a high rate of survival with minimal treatment. The goal of early detection is not only to treat but also to prevent cancer from advancing to a more serious, life-threatening stage. Cancer screening is essential for preventing and detecting cancer in its early stages, leading to more effective treatments. Regular screenings improve the chances of identifying cancer before symptoms develop. Each type of cancer requires different screening tests, and it is important to follow recommended guidelines based on individual risk facto

If colorectal cancer is highly preventable with screening and highly treatable when caught early, then why is colorectal cancer the second deadliest cancer in the U.S.?

It’s a great question with a complicated answer. A lack of knowledge about prevention and limited access to screening has a lot to do with it, and a third of people who could get checked don’t. A missed or delayed screening gives colorectal cancer a chance to grow and become more dangerous long before symptoms appear. Often, Native Americans are skeptical about the need for tests and treatment from I.H.S. until the symptoms are very severe. Clara Caufield can be reached at acheyennereview@gmail.com. (Editor’s Note: Clara is currently experiencing colorectal cancer, detected early and making progress with medical treatment)

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