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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (May 1, 1993)
Smoke Signals May 1993 Page 8 CANCER: What We All Need To Know By Tracy Olson Vears ago, during the days of termination and Native American struggle for home and identity, our tribal Elders piobably didn't predict that Indian Health would become such a vital part of our tribal programs or that Native Americans would be facing a health crisis of the proportions we are today. Tribes across America have come together to address health issues to Indian populations, and to work on solutions. Issues such as alcoholism, Diabetes, AIDS, hypertension, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and depression. But of all the illnesses which commonly affect Native Americans today, few are as debilitating or as feared as Cancer. Cancer is one of the top killers of Americans, Indians too. Most every person has been touched in one way or another by this disease, whether someone they know had it, or they themselves have it, it affects everyone. Although Cancer has no cure, many phys icians and scientists suggest certain life-style habits can help prevent it or help to ensure one's survival from Cancer. For example, an important part of surviv ing Cancer is early detection and examination. The sad truth is, most Americans don't pay close enough attention to there bodies; and when they do find some thing abnormal, they delay visiting their doctor. Most types of Cancer have definite warning symptoms, and when caught early enough, are treatable. This is especially true for Breast Cancer. It is estimated that 1 in 9 women will face this disease, but women who regularly examine their breasts and have a yearly mammogram are far more likely to detect the cancer in its early stages and survive it. SOME FACTS The most common cancer killer in the United States is Lung Cancer. It accounts for almost one-third of all Cancer deaths and many of these deaths could be prevented if people wouldn't smoke. Second-hand smoke is estimated to be the cause of 3,000 deaths every year. The Surgeon General has been advising people of the dangers of smoking for sometime now, and it has made people more aware. It is no longer fashionable to smoke or chew tobacco. Still, tobacco manufacturers have discovered a way to advertise that appeals to young people, and get them hooked at an early age. Although smoking as a whole in on the decline, one of the fastest growing populations of smokers is teenage girls. If you smoke, see a doctor if you have a nagging or persistent cough that won't go away, you cough up blood, or your chest hurts all the time. Your doctor may also have suggestions for you if you are interested in quitting your cigarette habit. In men, one of the most common types of Cancer is Prostate Cancer. Most who get Prostate Cancer are over age 55, and the risk increases with age. It strikes over 120,000 men each year. Cancer of the prostate usually involves enlargement of the gland. But not always. And if a male notices an enlarged gland, it does not necessarily mean Cancer, but he should see a physician right away to be sure. Other symptoms may include difficulty in urination or controlling urination, painful or burning sensation during urination, or blood in the urine. If experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to visit a doctor. The American Cancer Society recommends that after age 40, men should receive an annual health checkup which includes a digital rectal exam. There are many methods used to Few diseas are more debilitating or more than yourself with sunscreen. Too much sun or excessive sunburn causes skin cancer. It also ages the skin faster. It may be fashionable to be tan, but more and more people are finding the trade-off not worth it. Any changes or discoloration of a mole, or a sore that does not heal, should be checked out by a doctor. And never spend any length of time in the sun without adequate clothing or sunscreen (preferably one with a high Sun Protection Factor). DIET AND NUTRITION Along with early detection and treatment comes prevention. Not only should we take care of our bodieson theoutside, but equally important is the inside. More and more evidence suggests that the foods we eat could help to prevent risk to heart disease, stroke, and Cancer." Recently, the media released C2d I a report stating that Americnas need to eat more fruits and Cancer shrink tumors, reduce pain, and control the cancer for long periods of time. Again, much of the success from these treatments is measured by how soon the cancer was diagnosed. As mentioned before, Breast Cancer is a common type of cancer among women. It is more common for women over 40 and like Prostate Cancer, the risk increases with age. It is a good idea for ALL women to examine their breasts monthly and haveadoctorexamine them every year. Women over 50 should have a mammogram every year. Oddly enough, a woman's risk also increases if she has never had children or had them late in life. Her risk increases if her mother or sister had it. The good news is that nearly nine out of ten women could survive Breast Cancer with proper treatment. The key is to check the breasts and pay attention to what our bodies are telling us. A woman should see her doctor if she finds a lump in her breast (no matter how small), if she experiences a noticeable change in her breasts, or if liquid comes from her nipples. (Note: It is also important for women of all ages to get an annual Pap test if over 1 8 and sexually active. This test will detect signs of Cervical Cancer.) Finally, be careful when you are out in the sun. When the sun is at it's hottest, (10 A.M. to 2 P.M.) protect vegetables. It suggested five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Foods rich in carotene rank the highest, as carotene may be a cancer-fighting nutrient. Some foods rich in carotene are broccoli, cauliflower, pumpkin, spinach, kale, apricots, carrots, sweet potatoes, peaches, papayas, and canteloupe. Another part of healthy eating is reducing fat and cholesterol and including more fiber and bran. Foods like raisins, prunes, and grain cereals are a good source of fiber. The American Cancer Society recommends eating low-fat cheeses, milk, and non-fat yogurt and cottage cheese, plenty of fruit and vegetables, lean meats like chicken, turkey, or fish, and little or no alcohol. Try to cut back on fatty desserts and fried foods. We all have cravings and shouldn't deprive ourselves of food. But remember to eat the healthy stuff, too. Cancer is very scary, so scary that sometimes we don't want to face the possibility of it happening. But remember, you can have a healthier life by taking control!
