Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation: Cancer Control Plan

BREAST CANCER About two thirds (68%) of breast cancers among Alaska Native females in Bristol Bay were diagnosed at Stage I (2018-2022). Statewide about two-thirds (68%) were diagnosed at Stage II (2022). COLORECTAL CANCER Among Alaska Native people in the region, about two-thirds (68%) of colorectal cancers were either Stage II (32%) or IV (36%) at diagnosis. Very few cases were diagnosed at Stage III. Statewide almost three- quarters (72%) were at Stage II (35%) and Stage III (37%).

Hope Stories of In 2011, Teresita Tanaka was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer on a Monday and wheeled into surgery that Friday. The diagnosis came quickly after her doctor at BBAHC referred her to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage for a biopsy. Teresita spent the next eight months in Anchorage for treatment, only able to return home for a few short weekends. Five years earlier, she had lost her husband to liver cancer the same year he was diagnosed. Because of this, telling her son that she had cancer was one of the hardest parts of the experience. The American Cancer Society paid for her air fare to and from Anchorage, and the Walter J. and Ermalee Hickel House provided an affordable place to stay. Support from the community and her son helped her stay positive and hopeful. “People came through for me. They prayed for me. I had my son, who kept me going.” Teresita has been in remission for 14 years. She said early testing and a positive attitude are key. Getting tested is important. If my boss hadn’t forced me to go in, I wouldn’t be talking to you today.” “

Colorectal Cancer, Stage at Diagnosis, Alaska Native People and All Alaskans, BBAHC Service Region and Alaska, 2018-2022

Stage I

32%

Stage II

35%

Stage III

37%

36%

Stage IV

22%

Other

Alaska Native People, 2018-2022 BBAHC Region

All Alaskans

**Data not displayed due to fewer than 5 cases per year.

LUNG AND BRONCHUS Statewide over half (56%) of newly diagnosed lung and bronchus cancer was Stage II. Among Alaska Native people in Bristol Bay, about half (48%) were Stage III at diagnosis.

Lung and Bronchus Cancer Incidence, Stage at Diagnosis, Alaska Native People and All Alaskans, BBAHC Service Region and Alaska, 2018-2022

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