Cancer in Our Region Cancer is a group of diseases that involve abnormal cell growth and spread to other parts of the body. It can be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, but advancements in early detection and treatment have improved survival rates.
Incidence Cancer incidence refers to the number of new cancer cases diagnosed in a specific population during a defined period. It is expressed per 100,000 people per year. An annual age-adjusted rate is used so that incidence of one type of cancer may be compared to other cancers or other populations. Incidence rates reported in this document align with this definition. Considering all cancer sites, Alaska has a slightly lower five-year average incidence rate (432.6), compared to the U.S. overall at 448.6 (2018–2022). Within Alaska, regional cancer incidence rates vary, being influenced by demographic and lifestyle factors, among others. For nearly 40 years from 1969 to 2018, cancer rates among Alaska Native people were similar to those among US White people. However, cancer rates among Alaska Native people have increased over the last decade, even as cancer rates among US White people have decreased. Approximately 4 in 10 Alaska Native men and 5 in 10 Alaska Native women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. All Cancers Over a five-year period 2018 to 2022, 123 Alaska Native individuals in BBAHC’s service region were diagnosed with cancer resulting in an incidence rate of 544.0. This was slightly higher than Alaska overall (537.8). Cancer incidence was markedly higher after the age of 60 and higher among females (605.7) compared to males (486.9).
All Cancer Sites Incidence, Alaska Native People, 2018-2022 BBAHC Service Region
COUNT 123 RATE 544.0
Alaska
COUNT 2,738 RATE 537.8
All Cancer Sites Incidence by Age, Alaska Native People, BBAHC Service Region, 2018-2022
0-59 years
COUNT 41 RATE 236.8
60-80+ years
COUNT 83 RATE 2,096.6
All Cancer Sites Incidence by Sex, Alaska Native People, BBAHC Service Region, 2018-2022
Females
COUNT 70 RATE 605.7
Males
COUNT 53 RATE 486.9
Did You KNOW?
The three most common cancers among Alaska Native people in Bristol Bay are: Breast • Colorectal • Lung and Bronchus
Strategic Cancer Plan | 8
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