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!