Alaska Native Specific Risks Alaska Native people experience distinct cancer risk patterns driven by a mix of lifestyle, infections, environmental, and structural factors. These cancer disparities are not due to a single cause, but to a combination of:
• High tobacco use • High prevalence of infectious agents (e.g., H. pylori) • Diet and lifestyle changes • Obesity and inactivity
• Limited access to health care and screening • Environmental and geographic factors • Socioeconomic inequities
Cancers like lung, colorectal, stomach, liver, kidney, and nasopharyngeal occur at higher rates in the Alaska Native population.
Modifiable Risk Factors Many risk factors are potentially modifiable. At least 42% of newly diagnosed cancers in the U.S. are potentially avoidable, including the 19% of cancers caused by smoking and at least 18% caused by a combination of excess body weight, alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity. The biggest impact for reducing risk comes from:
Over 40% of newly diagnosed cancers in the U.S. are potentially avoidable.
Avoiding tobacco
Maintaining a healthy weight
Eating a balanced diet
Staying physically active
Limiting alcohol
Protecting against infections and UV exposure
Strategic Cancer Plan | 14
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