03/11/2026
March is colorectal cancer awareness month, a time dedicated to educating and raising awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, but is also one of the most preventable and treatable if detected early. It is recommended that age 45 you get your first colonoscopy.
Colorectal cancer is generally a slow-growing cancer, which means early detection can make all the difference. When caught in its pre-malignant stage—while still just a benign polyp—it can often be cured right at the time of the colonoscopy or even prevented altogether. Early detection and treatment is easy and well-tolerated. Late detection, however, is a very different story, often requiring far more aggressive and difficult treatment.
Screening Options: Non-Invasive Choices-While a colonoscopy starting at age 45 is a primary recommendation, there are effective, non-invasive screening tools like the FIT (F***l Immunochemical Test) and Cologuard that can often help you avoid a colonoscopy unless a positive result is found. These tests are simple, stool-based options that can be done from the comfort of home to look for hidden blood or DNA markers associated with cancer. Check with your health care provider to see if these options are available to you.
Our team at United Indian Health Services will be making the Cologuard test available to our clients very soon, and we will be reaching out to clients due for screening to help ensure everyone is up to date on their screenings. While a positive result on these tests does mean you will need a follow-up colonoscopy, using these non-invasive methods is a vital step in catching this essentially curable cancer early.
In particular, it is crucial to address the impact of colorectal cancer on American Indians, who face disparities in access to healthcare and screening services. According to the American Cancer Society “Colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates are both approximately 40% higher among American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) individuals than White individuals overall, but among Alaska Native people specifically, incidence is 2.5 times higher.”
"Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for Native people," said Lindsey Petras, MSN, RN, cancer program manager at the American Indian Cancer Foundation. By highlighting the unique challenges and barriers that AI/AN may encounter in healthcare settings, we can work towards improving early detection rates and outcomes for this community.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has stated, “Some studies suggest that people may reduce their risk of developing colorectal cancer by”:
• Increasing physical activity.
• Keeping a healthy weight.
• Eating a diet low in animal fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Limiting alcohol consumption.
• Avoiding to***co.
By promoting screenings, healthy lifestyle choices, and risk factor awareness, we can reduce the impact of this disease and save lives. Be sure and get regular colonoscopy checks starting at age 45. This month serves as a reminder to prioritize our health, get screened, and spread awareness to our loved ones. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against colorectal cancer.
For more information and resources please go to:
VIDEO: Mayo Clinic-Colorectal Cancer Awareness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY8u34s4epo
STUDY: Elevated colorectal cancer incidence among American Indian/Alaska Natives https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9987760/
https://colorectalcancer.org/
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer.html
