INPACS Improving Northern Plains American Indian Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in American Indians, following lung cancer. In the Northern Plains, rates of incidence and mortality are 39% and 43% higher, respectively, in American Indians compared to non-Hispanic whites. Screening can dramatically lower these rates, but less than 1 in 3 American Indians are current with screening recommendations.

The American Indian Cancer Foundation invites all I.H.S., tribal and urban health facilities in the Northern Plains (MN, WI, ND, SD, MT, WY) to take part. In partnership with IHS and Shakopee Mdewakanton, we are working with health clinics to better understand current successes and challenges for colorectal cancer screening and collaboratively develop strategies for improving cancer screening rates.

INPACS will visit each clinic to meet with clinical staff and health care providers. While at each clinic, a CME & Nurse CEU accredited course on colorectal cancer updates will be offered. If you haven't received an invitation, please contact Anne @ 612-672-8667 or awalaszek@AICAF.org to schedule your INPACS visit and to get answers to any questions that you may have about this project.

Thank you for all that you do to promote the health of the American Indian community. We look forward to working with you.

Minnesota Cancer Facts & Figures 2011

The Minnesota Cancer Alliance, American Cancer Society, and the Minnesota Department of Health have collaborated to produce this summary of cancer in our state. Stakeholders in the Minnesota Cancer Alliance use this document to measure progress in meeting the objectives stated in the Cancer Plan Minnesota, 2011-2016. Cancer patients, health care and public health professionals may find it useful when seeking detailed, easy-to-read information about cancer in Minnesota.

Quick Facts about where we are according to MN Facts and Figures:

• Smoking is down: Decrease from 22% to 16.8% (2001 to 2009)

• Weight is up: Nearly 2 out of 3 MInnesotans are overweight and 1 in 4 are obese (2009 data up from 44% and 10% in 2001)

• Screening could be better: Nearly 1 in 4 Minnesotans over the age of 50 has NEVER been screened for colon cancer.

• Burden is not equal: African Americans and American Indians have higher cancer rates than non-Hispanic whites.

To order a free copy of the Minnesota Cancer Facts and Figures 2011, call 763-712-7634 or 1-800-782-1878 x165 or email tlee@miph.org

See right-hand side bar to find Fact and Figures by section.

Download and print a complete copy by clicking the link below.

Minnesota Cancer Facts and Figures 2011