Ruth Hopkins: Tribes need to raise awareness of breast cancer

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.