Assessing the national trends in colon cancer among Native Americans: A 12 year SEER database study.

INTRODUCTION: Native Americans (NA) form a unique cohort of colon cancer (CC) patients among whom the variability in demographics and cancer characteristics remains unclear.

METHODS: We abstracted the national estimates for NA with CC using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) database. Trend analysis of incidence, variation in location and patient demographic analysis were performed.

RESULTS: A total number of 26,674 NA with CC were reported during the 12-year study period. While the overall incidence of CC decreased by 12% during the study period, incidence increased by 38% in NA. Incidence of CC was more prevalent and higher increase (42%) seen in NA females than males (p = 0.02; 34%). Stage III tumors represented 29% of all CC, sigmoid colon the most common site location (38%) with 72% of all tumors being moderately differentiated. 55% tumors were localized in left, 36% in right and 9% in transverse colon. 92% of the NA were insured.

CONCLUSION: Incidence of CC continues to rise in NA with majority of CC presented at higher stage and moderate differentiation.