Colorectal cancer in American Indians can be prevented through screening and awareness, American Indian Cancer Foundation says
For Immediate Release
February 29, 2016
Contact: Julia Jacobson, Communications Specialist
612.314.4852 or jjacobson@aicaf.org
MINNEAPOLIS – During colorectal cancer awareness month in March, the American Indian Cancer
Foundation (AICAF) encourages people to get screened for colorectal cancer and share information
about colorectal cancer in their communities.
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in American Indians after lung cancer and
colorectal cancer is 53% higher in Northern Plains American Indians than in non-Hispanic whites. Only
39 percent of people ages 50-75 in Indian Health Service areas have been screened for colon cancer
compared to 59 percent of the overall US population.
“Although colorectal cancer screening rates have been increasing, our communities can do better,”
AICAF community health worker Joy Rivera said. “Colorectal cancer is preventable through screening
and if found early, nine out of ten people survive.”
AICAF urges all people to recognize colorectal cancer awareness month in the following ways:
Wear Blue.
Wear blue to honor colorectal cancer warriors and survivors on Friday, March 4 for Dress in Blue Day,
hosted by the Colon Cancer Alliance. Check out dressinblueday.org for more information.
Learn.
Discover resources on colorectal cancer in American Indians at americanindiancancer.org/colon.
Share.
Tell your friends and family about colorectal cancer. Encourage them to seek screening and to adopt
healthy habits.
Get Screened.
Talk to your health care provider for advice and information on colorectal cancer screenings.
Join our community.
Like the American Indian Cancer Foundation on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and sign up for our
newsletter.
Donate.
Any amount helps the American Indian Cancer Foundation continue to raise colorectal cancer
awareness, increase early detection and build a network for American Indians and Alaskan Natives.