May 12, 2004
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Cancer
in Indian Country |
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By
John Kozlowicz Staff Writer |
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Held April 27-28, 2004 at the Ho-Chunk Convention Center in Baraboo, the Ho-Chunk Nation sponsored Nac hokiki jawire (Share the Care) Cancer Conference focused on “Fostering Cancer Awareness, Hope, Compassion & Support Among Tribal Members.” Throughout the conference health care professionals explained what could be done to prevent and treat the disease. Cancer survivors shared their personal experiences, serving as living examples that cancer doesn’t have to hopeless. In his opening remarks, Ho-Chunk Nation President George Lewis stressed the need to listen to the advice given by health care providers. “We’re all creatures of habit,” he said, “and we need to get into the habit of taking care of ourselves.” He noted that “the medical providers are giving us the information we need,” to fight the disease. Acknowledging that at one time a myth existed that cancer was not common in traditional Native communities, Dr. Judith Kaur, a Medical Oncologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, explained that throughout Indian Country more people are being diagnosed with cancer and believes it is critical that tribes work with government agencies toward establishing programs, “to change the way we control cancer.” As more Native Americans are coming forward with the disease, Kaur stressed the need to educate people about cancer prevention. “It’s better to spent our dollars doing cancer screening than making people comfortable when the disease has gone too far,” she said. Because cancer is still recognized as a “new” disease in Indian Country, Kaur believes that tribes need to teach people to understand the risks, take more of a leadership role in teaching prevention and identify the issues. She explained the need of those afflicted to come forward, the collection of data and analysis is important, she said, because some forms of cancer are more prevalent in some communities. “There are regional differences,” she said. For example, statistics indicate the incidents of breast cancer are high in Native Alaskans but low in the Plains, while incidents of prostrate cancer is low in Alaska but high in the Plains. Kaur stated the data provides valuable information that helps researchers identify the risks and genetic factors associated with the disease. She believes that Indian communities need to encourage people to enter the medical field and encourage cancer survivors to speak out. “Survivors have made a difference to how we look at cancer,” she said. “They can be inspirations.” Noting that many tribal health clinics across Indian Country now have the ability to screen and test “for almost every cancer,” Kaur urged that tribal members take advantage of that opportunity. Early detection is the key she said, adding that tribes are now placing a greater emphasis on early screening, treatment and management, establishing after treatment programs and dealing with end of life issues, keeping the patient out of pain and providing patient and family support. Early detection remains the key to surviving cancer and Kaur stressed, “the need remains to find people who take the challenges to find better cures and solutions.” There is hope, she said. Explaining that at one time polio, smallpox and tuberculosis were considered “helpless,” but that medical advances have virtually eliminated those diseases, she is confident that “some day we can do the same with cancer.” Dr. Thomas Walker, Medical Director for the Ho-Chunk Nation, warned that some while barriers still exist regarding the screening and treatment of cancer (notable having access to health care facilities), progress is being made. Stressing the importance of early detection, Walker reported that many of the tools now available (MRI’s and Cat Scans), were non-existent as recently as twenty years ago. Concerned “that the United States spends twice as much (per person) caring for people in federal prison as they do for Native Americans,” Walker agrees with Dr. Kaur that tribes need to do a better job of securing the federal funding needed to create better screening and care programs in Native communities. Aware that not all organizations use the same standards when determining screening guidelines, he advises that patients consult with a physician to determine their specific needs. Though research is getting closer to discovering vaccines to prevent various forms of cancer, for now, he said, “early detection is the best cure.” Because “knowledge is powerful only if you use it,” Dr. Kirk Hopinka, Mental Health Professional with the Ho-Chunk Nation, challenged everyone to use the available resources that can lead to a better lifestyle and often reduce the risk of getting cancer. Because we are all unique, Hopinka also challenged everyone “to awaken the various spirit within you,” and recognize “the part of you that you can work on.” All of us undergo constant change in brain and body, he explained, “our decisions control how we deal with those changes.” “The most important person in the staying healthy process is you,” he said, “and the focus should be on what you want to be healthy.” Aware that the way a person takes care of him or herself can cause a “ripple effect” throughout the family, Hopinka asked, that because you know how important cancer screening is, “why not get tested?” “We know what to do,” he said. He stated that the exchange and sharing of information is critical in the health care industry. He concluded that “if you don’t understand, ask for help. We all have the power to pick and chose what’s good.” Along with the various speakers and cancer survivors who shared their stories, four workshops were held related to the prevention and treatment of cancer. The workshops included information on establishing a good diet, nicotine prevention, sharing the care (the Caregivers Support System) and how Hospice helps. Throughout the conference over 15 exhibitors had on display information regarding cancer prevention and cure. Ho-Chunk Nation Division of Health Director, Hattie Walker stated she hopes that all attending were encouraged by the personal experiences and health information relating to cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. She and Ho-Chunk Nation Health Education Specialist, Linda Severson, who coordinated the conference, expressed their gratitude to all the Planning Committee members. Helping with the planning were: Earl and Bernice Blackdeer, Linda DeLay, Roberta Decorah, Denise Dodson, Kirk Hopinka, Diana Santa Maria, Rosalie Two Bulls, Lisa Laatsch and Iris Laes, from the American Cancer Society, Jackie Matloub and Rick Strickland from the UW Comprehensive Cancer Center. Co-sponsors were: American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, Inc., Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, National Indian Health Board, North Central Cancer Information Services, Spirit of EAGLES (NIH Grant U101 CA 86098) and the University of Wisconsin-Comprehensive Cancer Center. |
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 Dr. Kirk Hopinka, Mental Health Professional with the Ho-Chunk Nation. |
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