Honoring Our Health: Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Each March, communities across the United States recognize Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise knowledge, encourage screening, and support those affected by colorectal cancer (CRC). For Native American and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities, this month carries special importance. CRC continues to disproportionately affect Native families, yet early screening and health education are helping turn the tide.
What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer develops from abnormal polyps in the colon or rectum. While early stages often show no symptoms, warning signs can include:
• Changes in bowel habits
• Blood in stool
• Persistent abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
Regular screening can catch CRC early, or prevent it altogether, by removing precancerous polyps.
Understanding CRC Risk in Native Communities AI/AN communities face some of the highest CRC incidence and mortality rates in the U.S. For example, Alaska Native people continue to experience the world’s highest CRC rates and are often diagnosed younger, sometimes even in their 30s and 40s.
Risk factors include:
- Older age
- Family history / genetics
- Environmental exposures
- Low-fiber diet and limited physical activity
How You Can Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
- Get screened if you are 45+ (or earlier if recommended by your healthcare
provider). - Learn your family history, which may require earlier testing.
- Use Tribal health resources, many of which offer at-home FIT kits and patient navigation.
Contact your tribal clinic’s Patient Navigator for more information, including screening events in your area.
Honoring Our Relatives Through Prevention
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is a time to lift up the stories, strength, and resilience of Native communities. By embracing culturally grounded education and increasing access to screening, we honor our ancestors and protect future generations.
Together, we can reduce the impact of colorectal cancer, because every relative deservesthe chance for a long, healthy life.
For more information, visit National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – New York IndianCouncil, [fightcancer.org]