Colorectal cancer survival among American Indian and Alaska native people in the Pacific Northwest

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality, with American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations experiencing higher risk and poorer outcomes than non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). Using linked cancer registry data from Oregon, Washington, and Idaho (1998–2006), we compared invasive colorectal cancer survival between AI/AN and NHW cases. Kaplan-Meier and Cox models showed AI/AN patients had significantly lower 1-year (0.88 vs. 0.91) and 5-year survival (0.48 vs. 0.57) and a higher risk of death (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.14–1.57) after adjustment for age, sex, and stage. Findings highlight persistent survival disparities and the need for targeted interventions.