Taking Care of Us

Episode 7: Stomach Stories: Unmasking Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)

The Partnership for Native American Cancer Prevention Outreach Core

About 62% of Navajo adults in Arizona 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.  NACP managed the production, which was hosted by Northern Arizona University Public Health graduate students, Eli Bigthumb (Navajo/Diné) and Alexis Talayumptewa (Hopi).