Alaska Natives and American Indians, African-Americans and Hispanics are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in advanced stages. As a result, the percentage of minorities who die of colorectal cancer is higher than for Caucasians.

After Alaska Natives, the next highest rates in men are among Japanese, African-American and non-Hispanic white populations. These are followed by Chinese, Hawaiians and white Hispanics; then Filipinos, Koreans and Vietnamese.

In women, Alaska Natives are followed by African-Americans, Japanese and non-Hispanic white Americans. Next are Chinese, Hawaiians and Vietnamese; and finally white Hispanics, Koreans and Filipinos.

AFRICAN-AMERICANS AND COLORECTAL CANCER

• Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among African-Americans.
• In 2005, 16,000 African-Americans were estimated to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and 7,000 African-Americans were estimated to die from the disease. Death and incidence rates remain higher for African-Americans than those for other ethnic groups.
• Because African-Americans are less likely to have polyps detected in their earliest, most treatable stages than are Caucasians, they are less likely to live five or more years after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. From 1995 to 2000, the five-year colorectal cancer survival rate was 55 percent for African-Americans-compared with 64 percent for Caucasians.
• Recent research indicates that African Americans are often diagnosed at an earlier age and experts suggest that they begin screening at age 45.

HISPANICS AND COLORECTAL CANCER

• Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer diagnosed among Hispanic Americans. Hispanic Americans are less likely to follow screening recommendations for the disease.
• Among Hispanics aged 50 and older surveyed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fewer than 12 percent reported having a fecal occult blood test in the preceding year. Only 25 percent of those surveyed underwent a sigmoidoscopy or proctoscopy in the last five years.
• Hispanics have the lowest rates for colorectal cancer screening, along with American Indian/Alaska Natives.

AMERICAN INDIANS AND ALASKA NATIVES AND COLORECTAL CANCER

• Cancer is the second leading cause of death among American Indians and Alaska Natives over the age of 45.
• Alaska Natives and Northern Plain Tribes have higher death rates than whites and African Americans.
• The types of cancers experienced within Native communities varies significantly by geographic region.