Cancer Overall in the Cherokee Nation
Cancer is a major illness and is the second leading cause of death in the Cherokee Nation. Lung cancer is a leading cancer for Cherokee native Americans.
The top five incidence rates for cancer in Cherokee Nation are:
- Lung
- Breast
- Prostate
- Colorectal
- Cervix
Below is information on types of cancer and their risk factors.
- Smoking
- Secondhand Smoke
- Radon (radioactive gas)
- Personal History of Lung Cancer
- Getting Older
- Lack of Physical Activity
- Genetic Mutations
- Early Menstruation
- Late/No Pregnancy
- Age
- Race/Ethinicity
- Gene Changes
- Chemical Exposures
- Certain Types of Diets
- Having Type II Diabetes
- A Personal History of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- HPV Infection
- Chlamydia Infection
- Long-term IUD and Birth Control Pill Use
- Weakened Immune System
- Having Multiple Full-Term Pregnancies
- Sunlight
- Cigarette Smoking & Commercial Tobacco Use
- Alcohol Use
- Poor Diet
- Lack of Physical Activity
- Being Overweight/Obese
- Family History
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors, such as exposure to ionizing radiation, chemicals or other substances can also increase risk. Family history of cancer may also increase risk.
Summer Time and Tanning
A Base Tan Is Not a Safe Tan. There is a common misconception that a tan acts as the body’s natural protection against sunburn. The Burning Truth: A tan is the body’s response to injury from UV rays, showing that damage has been done. A “base tan” only provides a sun protection factor (SPF) of about 3 or less, which does little to protect you from future UV exposure.
Protective Factors
Protective factors include:
- Regular physical activity
- Staying at a healthy weight
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Abstaining from tobacco, alcohol or other harmful substances
Regular doctor visits and cancer screenings can assist with early detection and may improve treatment outcomes.
Resources
- Liver Cancer Brochure
- All Gave Some. Some Gave All
- What’s Love Got to do with Smoking?
- Facts about Smoking
- Quitting Smoking: The Real Marathon
- What can survivors and families do to advance 80% by 2018?
- Screen For Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign
Cherokee Nation Health Facilities
Sam Hider Health Center – Jay, OK: 1-877-293-4271
Three Rivers Health Center- Muskogee, OK: 1-918-781-6500
A-MO Salina Health Center- Salina, OK: 1-877-434-8500
Redbird Smith Health Center- Sallisaw, OK: 1-877-797-9159
Wilma P. Mankiller Health Center- Stilwell, OK: 1-877-747-8800
Will Rogers Health Center- Nowata, OK: 1-877-373-0192
Bartlesville Health Center- Bartlesville, OK: 1-918-336-0823
Vinita Health Center- Vinita, OK: 1-918-323-0194
W. W. Hastings Hospital- Tahlequah, OK: 1-877-838-3100 (OK-only) or 1-918-453-3100
Other Contact Information
Andrea Carpitcher, RN, Program Manager
Cherokee Nation Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
Contact number: (918) 453-5000
andrea-carpitcher@cherokee.org
Charles Grim, Deputy Executive Director, Health Services
Cherokee Nation Health Services
(918) 453-5000
