Cancer Rates Among Indigenous Communities


Written by Natalie Smith


Source: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiKyPmY35nhAhVI04MKHfT-CeMQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.elsevier.com%2Fconnect%2Fsmoking-and-smoking-related-health-outcomes-high-in-public-housing&psig=AOvVaw04N0icnlR3Hs3N42A9O_8A&ust=1553481270908011



Cancer is a disease that does not discriminate and can affect everyone. However, cancer rates are noticeably higher in Native American communities. There are several reasons as to why Native American communities have higher rates of cancer, including risk factors and lack of access to prevention and care. Some of the health risks that can cause cancer are “ Tobacco abuse (smoking and chewing) and cigarette smoke exposure, alcohol abuse, diets high in animal fats and low in fiber, fresh fruits and vegetables, lack of regular physical activity, obesity, diabetes, and family genes that increase cancer risk” (American Indian Cancer Facts). These health issues are not exclusively specific to Native Americans, but they do contribute to the problem. Other health risks could be toxic or potentially hazardous materials. Some of these toxic materials are being dumped on reservations. These materials have a negative effect on those living in the area. “Fly-tipping, or the illegal dumping of waste on lands, is something that is all too common for Native American communities. Many of these materials also contain asbestos; an invisible, tasteless, and odorless tiny fiber that if inhaled can cause major health problems considering it is a human carcinogen” (Why are Cancer Rates Higher Among the Native American Communities?).  Without being able to sense asbestos it is a hard toxin to avoid and detect. “By living amongst harmful asbestos, many Tribal members are developing mesothelioma without knowledge as to how they have acquired it” (Why are Cancer Rates Higher Among the Native American Communities?).

    Some issues are on an individual basis, they only affect one person because for a specific reason. Some individual issues are “Low awareness of cancer risks, low awareness of screening options, distrust of medical systems and research, fear of screening tests or results, and health beliefs that may conflict with prevention practices”(American Indian Cancer Facts). Government run healthcare institutions on reservations are government funded and can be underfunded. If the hospitals are underfunded on the reservations those who use them may not receive great health care. To receive better care people may have to drive long distances to other hospitals off the reservation. “Congress contributes to the ways in which cancer affects Native American communities. While the government has signed Treaties with Native Nations, those treaties have not been upheld and government-run healthcare facilities are notoriously underfunded” (Why are Cancer Rates Higher among the Native American Communities?). Many Native Americans also don’t always have health care, this could easily hinder someone from receiving the medical attention they may need. “Statistically, due to the high levels of poverty of those living on reserved land, many Native Americans do not qualify for healthcare and some barely qualify for Medicaid”(Why are Cancer Rates Higher Among the Native American Communities?).

    There is no cure to cancer so there is no easy solution to this problem affecting Native American communities. Some health issues and causes of cancer can be avoided like not using tobacco and living a healthy lifestyle. However, without health facilities and health care, it would be difficult for those who wanted to receive medical attention to combat these issues. Native Communities are trying to do what they can for their health. For example “conferences like the 2017 Spirit of the EAGLES National Conference are held to bring attention to issues like fly-tipping, healthcare funding, and proper documentation for future care” (Why are Cancer Rates Higher Among the Native American Communities?) Hopefully in the future there will be a cure for cancer, but until then bringing awareness to the issues like the dumping of toxic materials and poor health care is just one of the ways Native Americans are trying to take care of their health.

 

 


Works Cited

“American Indian Cancer Facts.” American Indian Cancer Foundation,
www.americanindiancancer.org/american-indian-cancer-facts.

“Why Are Cancer Rates Higher Among the Native American Communities?” Cultural Survival, www.culturalsurvival.org/news/why-are-cancer-rates-higher-among-native-american-communities.

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