4th Annual NACA Colorectal Cancer Awareness Fun Run/Walk

In 2000, President Clinton officially dedicated March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that there will be 106,970 new cases of colon cancer and 46,050 new rectal cancer cases within the United States for 2023. For the American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) population, ACS estimates 48.6% of new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed. Colorectal cancer is still the second leading cause of cancer death for this population.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) developed a 7-year Cancer Moonshot initiative to address the concerns of cancer, known as the 21st Century Cures Act, which Congress passed in December 2016. With this initiative, Native Americans for Community Action (NACA), and the University of Arizona’s Cancer Center (UACC) have come together to increase Colorectal Cancer education and screening in order to nurture healthy lifestyle behaviors among the AI/AN population.

A healthy lifestyle includes understanding the importance of early detection and cancer prevention strategies such as an improved diet, increased physical activity, and the use of established screening tests. These practices could alleviate additional cancer morbidity and mortality for all.

March is a rallying time for the colorectal cancer community where thousands of patients, survivors, caregivers, and advocates throughout the country join together to spread colorectal cancer awareness by wearing blue, holding fundraising and education events, talking to friends and family about screening, and so much more.