Cancer is a disease where some cells in the body grow out of control and can spread to other parts of the body. Cancer can start almost anywhere because the body is made up of trillions of cells. Normally, cells grow, divide, and die in an orderly way. When old or damaged cells die, new cells replace them. Sometimes this process does not work properly, and abnormal or damaged cells keep growing when they should not. These cells may form tumors, which are lumps of tissue. Some tumors can be cancerous and can spread to or invade nearby tissues. Many cancers form solid tumors, but blood cancers, like leukemia, usually do not.
You can lower your risk of developing many common cancers by making healthy lifestyle choices. Screening tests can find some cancers early, when they are easier to treat. Vaccines can also help prevent certain types of cancer.
In 2022, AI/AN men were 46% more likely than men nationwide to be diagnosed with kidney cancer.
In 2022, AI/AN women were about two and a half times more likely than women nationwide to be diagnosed with liver and bile duct cancer.
From 2019 to 2023, AI/AN men were 94% more likely, and AI/AN women were 90% more likely, to die from stomach cancer than the U.S. population overall.
In 2023, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) adults ages 45-75 were 20% less likely than U.S. adults of the same age to receive recommended colorectal cancer screening.
Females ages 40 and over who had a mammogram within the past 2 years, crude percentage, 2019
AI/AN* Females
Total Population Females
Ratio (AI/AN* / Total)
61.3
79.8
0.77
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. (2023). Health, United States 2020-2021 (Table CanBrTest). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Females aged 21 to 65 years receiving a cervical cancer screening based on the most recent guidelines, percentage, 2021
