Episode 7: Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori): The Common Stomach Bacteria You Shouldn't Ignore! Artwork

Taking Care of Us

The Partnership for Native American Cancer Prevention (NACP) presents the NACP Taking Care of Us Podcast, where we dive into cancer-related topics and explore the types of programs available to Indigenous or Native communities in the Southwest. The NACP is a collaboration between Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona, the University of Arizona Cancer Center and the Native Nations in the state of Arizona. The Partnership for Native American Cancer Prevention is funded by the National Institute of Health and National Cancer Institute: NAU NACP Grant Number U54CA143925 and UACC NACP Grant Number U54CA143924.For more information about NACP and the programs highlighted, please visit our website at www.nau.edu/nacp or check out our hashtag #NACPtakingcareofus.

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Taking Care of Us

Episode 7: Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori): The Common Stomach Bacteria You Shouldn't Ignore!

November 21, 2024 • The Partnership for Native American Cancer Prevention Outreach Core

In Arizona, about 62% of Navajo adults are affected by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. This infection caused by a bacterium is a risk factor for gastric cancer. Gastric cancer occurs three to four times more often among Native Americans than among non-Hispanic Whites.

In this episode of "Taking Care of Us," Dr. Gregory Jarrin, a general surgeon currently based at the Whiteriver Indian Hospital serving primarily citizens of the White Mountain Apache Tribe and previously serving citizens of the Navajo Nation, at the Winslow Indian Health Care Center, discusses H. pylori. He discusses how the untreated infection can increase cancer risk, and specific factors that contribute to the transition of the infection. He shares treatment options and tips for prevention while addressing common misconceptions about the bacterium. With over 35 years of experience, Dr. Jarrin specializes in gastritis and H. pylori infection and has significantly contributed to research on these issues among Native American patients.

Join us in exploring the critical importance of addressing H. pylori for better digestive health and disease prevention.

This podcast, supported by the National Cancer Institute through the Partnership for Native American Cancer Prevention (NACP), aims to address health disparities in Native American communities. The production was managed by NACP and hosted by NAU Public Health graduate students, Eli Bigthumb (Navajo/Diné) and Alexis Talayumptewa (Hopi).