Title : Ethnic disparities in cancer risk: Tobacco use and colon cancer in the Lumbee Tribe
Abstract:
Globally, colon cancer ranks as one of the top causes of death related to cancer, showing different occurrence rates among various ethnic and racial populations. This variation may be attributed to a combination of genetic influences, environmental conditions, and lifestyle choices. The Lumbee Indian community is a distinct and diverse ethnic group present in North Carolina. Like other Indigenous populations, the Lumbee Indians commonly encounter challenges in accessing healthcare, have unique lifestyle habits, and possess certain genetic tendencies that are specific to their community. For example, such a lifestyle habit includes tobacco use. Multiple research studies suggest that extended cigarette smoking, often quantified as pack-years increases the risk for colon cancer. This is attributed to various carcinogens in tobacco smoke that can trigger mutations in the colon. For example, smoking has been reported to increase the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) through both fewer T cells and tumor associated macrophages infiltration [5], thereby increasing the incidence of CRC via suppression of anti-tumor immunity. Another theory focuses on the microsatellite instability pathway. This pathway is characterized by high microsatellite instability, a positive CpG island methylator phenotype, and BRAF mutation [1]. This retrospective study focused on patients from July 2022 to October 2023 using ICD-10 diagnostic codes targeting colon cancer and cigarette use within the slicer dicer tool in Epic Medical Record system. The population was also selected based on Lumberton, North Carolina zip codes such as 28358, 28359, and 28360. Data was then analyzed using chi-squared analysis, which showed a significant link between tobacco use and colon cancer in the Lumbee Indian population, with a chi-squared value of 190.63 and a p-value of < 0.0001. This indicated that there is indeed a relationship between tobacco use and colon cancer within the Lumbee Indian population. Understanding the incidence and underlying factors of colon cancer in the Lumbee Indian population is of paramount significance. Such research not only addresses a critical gap in our understanding of health disparities, but also helps to tailor prevention and intervention strategies that consider the unique cultural and genetic characteristics of the Lumbee community. This can offer insights into the multifaceted etiologies of the disease and highlight the importance of individualized healthcare approaches.
Audience Takeaway Notes:
- The presentation will explore the connection between colon cancer rates and tobacco consumption among the Lumbee Indian Tribe, the largest Indigenous population in North Carolina.
- The relationship between tobacco use and colon cancer through mechanisms such as immunomodulation.
- Through emphasizing key patient risk factors, an outreach/education program can be incorporated to then individualize healthcare and reduce the overall incidence of colon cancer.
- Understand critical gaps in health disparities and tailor preventive strategies that consider cultural and genetic characteristics of the Lumbee community.
