March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shed light on the alarming rates of colorectal cancer among American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) communities in the United States. Unfortunately, AI/AN people are experiencing higher rates of colorectal cancer than any other ethnic group in the country. This pressing issue has prompted the American Indian Cancer Foundation to launch its Sixth Annual Blue Beads campaign, with co-sponsorship from Exact Sciences and Mayo Clinic, to raise awareness and promote colorectal health, screening, and early detection.
The Blue Beads campaign aims to support 30 tribal and urban Indian clinics in implementing innovative and culturally responsive practices that engage and motivate community members to address colorectal cancer effectively. Two of these clinics, the White Earth Indian Health Service and the Bois Forte Medical Clinics, have taken significant steps to educate their communities and increase cancer screening rates.
The White Earth Indian Health Service has planned various activities to engage the community. They will provide opportunities for community members to contribute to storyboards featuring colon cancer education and ribbon trees to honor the lives of those affected by colon cancer. Additionally, staff members will wear “Get Your Rear in Gear” promotional t-shirts throughout the month to spark conversations about colorectal awareness. The clinic aims to provide education and increase cancer screening rates not only in March but also throughout the year.
On the other hand, the Bois Forte Medical Clinics will offer in-person colorectal cancer awareness education during exams for community members and clinic patients. They will hand-deliver educational materials and tools and discuss them during appointments. To incentivize participation, patients will be offered gut-friendly snacks, participation prizes, and entered into a raffle. The clinic staff will also be dressed in blue promotional t-shirts throughout March, actively promoting colorectal health and awareness. Moreover, the clinics aim to engage the entire tribal community by encouraging households to put up blue lights, symbolizing their support for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
The American Indian Cancer Foundation emphasizes the importance of prioritizing overall health among Native individuals. Gut health plays a crucial role in overall well-being, and by getting screened for colorectal cancer and incorporating healthy traditional foods into everyday diets, individuals can take proactive steps toward preventing and managing this disease. It is essential to have conversations with healthcare providers about gut health, family history, and appropriate screening times.
The efforts of the American Indian Cancer Foundation, Exact Sciences, Mayo Clinic, and the participating clinics are commendable in their dedication to addressing the disproportionate rates of colorectal cancer among AI/AN communities. By raising awareness, promoting education, and providing access to screening, these initiatives aim to make a significant impact on the health outcomes of Native individuals.
In conclusion, National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address the higher rates of colorectal cancer among American Indian and Alaskan Native communities. Through initiatives like the Blue Beads campaign and the support of organizations like Exact Sciences and Mayo Clinic, efforts are being made to educate, engage, and motivate community members to prioritize their colorectal health. By working together, we can strive for effective and sustainable solutions to combat colorectal cancer within these communities.
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