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Cancer incidence in Alaska Natives thirty-year report 1969-1998
A P Lanier1, J J Kelly, P Holck
1Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Office of Community Health Services, 4201 Tudor Centre Drive, Suite 315, Anchorage, Alaska 99508, USA.
Alaska Medicine
|March 7, 2002
Summary
Cancer incidence among Alaska Natives has risen significantly, now matching US Whites overall and exceeding them in women. Lung, colon, breast, and prostate cancers are most common, highlighting the need for prevention and early detection strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- The Alaska Native Tumor Registry has collected cancer data since 1969.
- Historical data indicated cancer was rare in Alaska Natives until the mid-20th century.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare cancer incidence trends in Alaska Natives (AN) with US Whites and Blacks from 1969-1998.
- To examine current cancer rates in AN compared to US Whites (1984-1998).
- To identify differences in cancer occurrence and potential risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the Alaska Native Tumor Registry (1969-1998).
- Calculation of average annual age-adjusted incidence rates for AN (1984-1998).
- Comparison of AN cancer rates with US White and Black populations.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in specific cancer rates exist between Alaska Natives and US populations.
- Overall cancer incidence among AN now equals that of US Whites, and is higher in women.
- The most frequent cancers in AN (lung, colon/rectum, breast, prostate) mirror those in the US, accounting for over 50% of diagnoses.
Conclusions:
- Cancer incidence has dramatically increased among Alaska Natives.
- Lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers are major concerns requiring targeted prevention and screening.
- Preventable cancers like lung cancer and those amenable to early detection (colorectal, breast) offer opportunities to improve health outcomes.
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