March Cancer Awareness Month

March is Colon, Kidney, Anal, and Multiple Myeloma Cancer Awareness month.

Our experienced providers treat all cancer types!

Thank you to our patients for allowing us to care for you. Your fight is our fight! 💚

Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer among Native people and the second leading cause of cancer death. There are usually no symptoms until it’s too late; regular screenings can detect polyps in the colon early before they turn into cancer.

Screening recommendations:

The current screening recommendation age for average-risk persons is 45 years old.

The recommendation for higher-risk persons is younger than 45 years old.

High-risk screening indications:

  •  strong family history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps.
  • A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps.
  • A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease).
  • A known family history of a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer or HNPCC).
  • A personal history of radiation to the abdomen (belly) or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer.

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is also called renal cancer. It is one of the ten most common cancers in adults.

Screening recommendations:

People at higher risk for kidney cancer are recommended to have regular CT, MRI, and Ultrasounds to look for kidney tumors.

High-risk indications:

  • Strong family history of kidney cancer.
  • Kidney disease.
  • Genetic and hereditary conditions that are linked to Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Anal Cancer

Anal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the anus. 

Screening recommendations:

Anal cancer is not common in the US, people at higher-risk are recommended to have regular anal cytology testing (anal pap test), or anoscopy.

High-risk indications:

  • People having anal intercourse.
  • Women who have had cervical, vaginal, or vulvar cancer.
  • Anyone who is HIV-positive.
  • Anyone with a history of anal warts.
  • Women ages 45+ who are HPV 16 positive.

Mulitple Myeloma Cancer

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells.

Screening is done through regular blood work.