When a loved one becomes ill, we often feel helpless. Seven years ago, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. The malignancy was relatively far along when discovered, so there was no time to adjust to the news. She underwent a mastectomy within days, and began cancer treatment soon after. Watching her struggle through chemotherapy was heartbreaking. I did what I could, but it never felt like enough. I called her every day, and came over to clean her house. After every chemo session she completed, I gifted her with an angel figurine. She came to expect them, and in some small way, those little porcelain tokens of affection lifted her spirits. Still, she underwent so much; body, mind and soul. By the time it was over, she was completely bald and had lost all her nails, along with much of her core strength. It aged her, understandably. She became frail, but she kept her steel resolve.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While breast cancer affects all Americans, Native women in Indian country are especially vulnerable to the killer disease. This is due in part to the fact that in most cases, breast cancer isn’t caught early enough. The further along cancer is, the harder it is to treat, and the more likely it is to be terminal. Poverty levels in Native communities are high, and adequate health care is a problem. As a result, Native women don’t receive mammograms early enough, or on a regular basis. Additionally, those who’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer may not have sufficient access to the medical professionals, facilities, medicine, and treatment they need to get better. My mother, who lives on the reservation, had to travel for hours to receive care, even when she was ill from radiation and chemotherapy.
All tribes need to make a significant, concerted effort to bring more awareness about the importance of doing breast exams, and having mammograms. Some Native women don’t have mammograms because they simply aren’t aware of how important it is to have them, or don’t even realize they’re at risk. Performing breast self-exams can be seen as taboo as well. Traditionally we are taught to love our bodies and take care of them, but due to assimilation, the concept of breast exams can seem foreign and even immoral to some Natives. It’s important that we teach women that breast exams are a matter of cancer prevention and good health. If women are hesitant to perform monthly exams on themselves, a partner can help.
Education on prevention needs to be disseminated throughout Indian country too. My mom was unaware that the hormone therapy she received after menopause greatly increased the odds of her getting breast cancer. Women can cut their risk of getting breast cancer by limiting their alcohol intake, not smoking, managing their weight, staying physically active, limiting hormone therapy and exposure to radiation and pollution, and by breastfeeding. By taking these measures, we can increase Native women’s odds of not only staying cancer free, but being in a better position to fight it should they fall ill. Knowing your family history and getting screened also play vital roles in breast cancer prevention.
Tribes and Native communities also need to pursue funding to help pay for the cost of mammograms and breast cancer treatment. Some Native women don’t have the Indian Health Service at their disposal, and other times that’s not enough. A push for funding will help save women’s lives.
Each of us can play a role in saving Native women from the scourge of breast cancer. As a woman, you can make sure that members of your family are aware of the symptoms of breast cancer, that they utilize preventative care, and have regular breast exams. You can also encourage friends and community members to do the same. Foremost, be a positive example to others by practicing what you preach.
As Natives, we are taught that women are sacred. Among my people, the Oceti Sakowin, one of our most revered spiritual figures is that of White Buffalo Calf Woman. She brought us the sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe, and the Seven Sacred Rites that we still practice to this day. She taught my people that women play a vital role in society. It is only fitting that we should heed her words by promoting good health and well-being in Native women today.
Donating to breast cancer prevention and research is one way you can help, but let’s not forget about those who are suffering with the illness on a personal level. We all know someone who’s been negatively affected by breast cancer. Reach out to these women and their loved ones. Offer them words of encouragement, a hug, or a helping hand. Bring them into ceremony. Pray for them.
Thankfully, my mom’s been in remission for more than five years now. Not every woman is so lucky. Together we can prevent many cases of breast cancer, and greatly improve the survival rates of those who are diagnosed with it. We can’t afford to lose any more of our sisters.
Ruth Hopkins (Sisseton Wahpeton & Mdewakanton Dakota, Hunkpapa Lakota) is a writer, blogger, biologist, activist and judge.