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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.

older native man having a checkup

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?

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) Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 

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) Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 

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