Cancer and the Effects on Community Members of Santo Domingo Pueblo

Angelina Lene Chama

Santo Domingo Pueblo

Image source: Angelina Chama

¨SHARING ONE SKIN: OKANAGAN COMMUNITY¨

Chapter 4 Community: ¨Sharing One Skin¨ talked about where her mom and dad came from. In most Native American villages, we have Indian names and clans. She referred to her mom as coming from the River Indians and her father came from a mountain person on page 461, paragraph one. When thinking about this, it made me think about how we introduced ourselves to my community in Keres. First, you would greet the people around you, then name your gender, and finally, your clan and Indian name. Finally, it would be where you came from. This chapter talked about how technology has taken a toll on many communities and how we could be losing our language, identity, and culture. What stood out to me the most was how everything is bound together (animals, plants, land, and humans). Those bounds have a purpose in life. And most importantly, the four capacities of self. These are your physical, emotional, thinking-intellectual, and spiritual self.

Armstrong, Jeanette. “Sharing One Skin: The Okanagan Community,” in Jerry Mander and Edward Goldsmith (eds), The Case Against the Global Economy. San Francisco, CA, Sierra Club Books, 1996. Pp 460-470.

Image source: Angelina Chama

“Native American Identity”

What I read about Native American identity is about the Kiowas. It is about Native American identity slowly fading away with the internet and going to school. How the Kiowa are no longer speaking their tongues and no longer eating homegrown foods. They are turning against prepacked food. It mentioned intermarrying and how they get married to different tribes or people. In the Kiowa community, it mentions how they are becoming more like white men than acting like themselves. But yet they would remain the same and would follow what their ancestors did. They would pass things down to the next generation. It also talked about what Native Americans should be called. For example, American Indian, Indian, or Native American on page 62, second paragraph. This article talks about what most Native Americans have and what they would qualify for. The terms that Native Americans get called are the same thing but at different times of the year. The big one was about white privilege and scholars. The way whites get their privileges is through racism and how whites are more favored than Native Americans. It mentions sovereignty, tribes, treaties, and tribal enrollment records. Has Perry G. Horse mentioned where she was from and what was observed in her community? She can speak and understand the language. This article mentions having some kind of bloodline proof. And how things have changed in the Native American world. One thing that stood out the most in this article was how we would go back to our ancestors and need to pay attention to our cultural teaching.

Horse, Perry G. “Native American Identity.” New Directions for Student Services, no. 109, © Wiley Periodicals, Inc, 2005. Pp. 61-68.

Image Source: Chama, Angelina. One of Santo Domingo Tribal Healer.2021(Juan Montoya)

Connections Throughout History-Native American Health

The article Native American Health by Roe Buber Bubar talks about social issues of Native Americans’ health and the history that Native Americans faced. From 2005 to 2014, “the CDC, also known as the Center for Disease Control, has reported that every racial group, except Native Americans, has experienced a decline in infant mortality,”( page 1) The health disparity gap found among Native Americans has a very long history and began before colonization. Long before the arrival of the Europeans, the Native Americans were able to govern themselves and determine their own health needs throughout their communities or tribes. The article mentioned that tribes around the world have their tribal healers, and the healers focus on people’s health. Besides using healers to heal sickness, the Native Americans used medicinal herbs and ceremonies to make people healthy and less sick. Many tribes have the opportunity to use all three healings to better their people.

Since colonization by European explorers and settlers, Native Americans have died in large numbers. They assumed that before the Europeans came to the United States, there was fewer illness and deaths, but in the 1900s, the population dropped. Due to the population decreasing, they have assumed it was from new and old diseases. With diseases spiking in Native American communities, Natives have a lack of access to medical care, and some Native Americans already experienced poor health conditions and shared in a report called the Meriam Report. The Meriam Report was based on a survey of conditions on the Indian reservation and in the boarding schools. Native Americans made limited improvements in health but soon began to grow because Native people were getting more sick, like having smallpox or other diseases throughout history. Finally, it was mentioned that the leading causes of death among Native Americans are heart disease, malignant neoplasm (cancer), accidents, and diabetes.

Bubar, Roe W., and Irene S. Vernon. “Native American Health.” Social Life and Issues, Revised Edition, Facts On File, 2019. American Indian History, online.infobase.com/Auth/Index?aid=18626&itemid=WE43&articleId=184634. Accessed 20 Oct. 2021.

Image Source: Chama, Angelina. A picture of Cedar trees, and can be used to cure some sicknesses. 2021

Despair and Hope

This article by Kim Dramer and Frank W. Porter talks about the Shoshone tribe, creating Indian policy, the Great Basin, and how it was recognized into territories. All Native Americans had to give up their traditional lives and become workers, farmers, and Christians. Therefore, the government wants to build churches and schools. Children were taken from their families and sent to boarding schools, and their image idea was that children would lose their identity. Different reservations were being created, such as Duck Valley or Fort Hall, and with each reservation that was being created, a medical clinic, an agency with all-white support staff, an all-Indian police force under the direction of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and a "Court of Indian Offenses" was also to be established on every reservation and they had to establish farms. Also, the Shoshone feared their enemies. There were a lot of negotiations between the whites and the Shoshones. The Shoshone offered so many treaties to the whites. The Northern Arapaho refused to move from their reservation but the Whites men wanted them to relocate to Oklahoma. The Shoshone and the Arapahos had some conflicts with each other. Rations soon happened like a shortage of food or their herds were not being found when they began to move to different areas. After the Western Shoshone moved to that reservation, the prices spiked and the crops were grown lower after relocating to different areas. Soon after, they had to create their own life by adapting to the harsh landscape of the Great Basin. Therefore, the western Shoshone wants to move back to their traditional reservation.

Kim mentioned that starvation and disease had taken over during the Great Basin. When the allotment period came to an end in 1930, it was clear that government Indian policy had failed again: despite the damage done to them, the Shoshone and other Great Basin groups had nevertheless succeeded in keeping their identities intact. The Shoshone had their very own ways of healing sickness and bad energy during those dark times. What caught my attention was their religious ceremonies, which they used such as the Bear Dance, which was for a good and healthy life and the Sundance was for illness and community misery. The participants danced without water, enduring pain and hardship as they sought visions that would benefit the community; their dancing was thought to produce power to cure the sick. The Sun Dance movement was thus redemptive, stressing the welfare of the community over that of individuals. Native tribes have their very own way of curing sickness and keeping their religious ceremonies together.

Dramer, Kim, and Frank W. Porter. “Despair and Hope.” The Shoshone, Chelsea House, 2014.

American Indian History, online.infobase.com/Auth/Index?aid=18626&itemid=WE43&articleId=184799. Accessed 9 Oct. 2021.

Image Source: Chama, Angelina. A picture of my mother and father and how I received my genes. 2022

Genetic testing and Cancer

After watching Genetic Testing and Cancer by James Cancer Center, it explains that genetic testing can be done for so many reasons, like certain health conditions. Cancer genetic testing can be done for people who want to know if they have cancer or a family member who has had cancer. Genes are one of the main important parts of our body. You can inherit your genes from your mother and father. It mentions mutation, it is a certain gene that can change over time, such as causing health problems. For patients who have cancer, genetic testing can be done by using cancer cells that can be taken from the tumor. “Throughout the last year, research on genetic testing has grown,” said a former doctor in the video. Doctors have assumed that cancer can be developed by aging or environmental exposure. There are benefits and risks to genetic testing. The benefits are prevention, early detection, also known as early screening, individualized cancer treatment, and family members' health monitoring. The risks are stress, anxiety, life insurance, and the limitations of test results. The ways you can get testing done are through blood, silva, and skin or tumor cells. Once the test is done, it is sent to a laboratory. Doctors have said, “Many Americans fear how much genetic testing will cost.” Finally, the nurses and doctors suggested that “it is important to take notes or write down questions that you may have and bring them to the appointments with you when getting diagnosed with cancer.”

It is important to know about your health and your family history, and how your genes have an important role in your bodies. Going through genetic testing can be scary at times, but it is important to know about your health. This video mentioned multiple ways to get your genetic testing done, and most Americans fear the cost or the outcome of the test.

Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-James Cancer Hospital & Solov Research Institute.- ( 2019, March 4). Genetic Testing and Cancer [Video].

Image Source: Chama, Angelina. Chama Family.2022

How to talk to your family about cancer risk- and why it’s so important

In the article, Oncologists have emphasized the importance of discussing cancer risk with your family and why it is important. Oncologists have said, "I recommend that knowing the types of cancer that your family member has been diagnosed with can help the individual understand their risk of cancer and is a good way to help reduce it." Some cancers can be hereditary, such as breast, prostate, colon, and melanoma. This is where oncologists stress that keeping track of the history of cancer is very important, and this is where genetic testing takes place. Oncologists have said, "Genetic testing could soon become more accessible." If the families have their own health care provider, that has information about your family's history of getting diagnosed with cancer, and when your family gets tested. Also, the provider can give you and your family information about possible lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of cancer in the family. When you need information about cancer, you would need to seek out the family history of cancer and the type of cancer they have been diagnosed with. Next would be the age of the family member who was diagnosed, and last would be to see if that family member had multiple cancers. Most likely, there could be a sign of increased cancer risk if the same cancer is in multiple relatives, for example, men with breast cancer. The oncologists have set up and organized when it is necessary to get testing done. You would need to look at first and second-degree relatives who have been diagnosed with cancer and determine if testing must be done. According to research, having many families with one or two people who can organize information about their health on their behalf is beneficial to the family. The issue that many people have trouble with is informing doctors about cancer diagnoses in their family, and that family members think that the doctor is being noisy when they are asking for information. The reason why they ask is important because it impacts the decisions that will be made by the doctors and the provider and allow for appropriate planning.

TodayShow. “Do You Know Your Family History of Cancer? Why It's so Important and What to Ask.” TODAY.com, 8 Oct. 2021, https://www.today.com/health/hereditary-cancer-risk-how-talk-your-family-about-health-history-t233366. https://www.today.com/health/hereditary-cancer-risk-how-talk-your-family-about-health-history-t233366

Image Source: Chama, Angelina. Mary P. Lovato's magazine is about her journey as a cancer survivor and the obstacles she has faced. 2022

For Cancer Screenings, the Covid-19 pandemic creates Obstacles and Opportunities

This article talks about COVID being on the rise in January of 2021, and how it has impacted access to preventive care and also cancer screenings. As long as the pandemic has been around, doctors have seen a decrease in the use of cancer screening, and with that happening, some early cancers have gone undetected. In many states, health centers around the world have to limit in-person services. As there were issues and obstacles after a year of COVID, researchers have explored different ways to improve cancer screenings, which was a good thing. The pandemic has led to other potential innovations in cancer screenings. As of today, physicians are discussing ways to focus on screenings for those who are most at risk. At this point in the pandemic, there is widespread concern about cancer diagnosis delays. When you get screening done at an early stage, cancer or cancers might be treatable before symptoms appear. Even the US prevention service mentioned that people who have cancer in their families are the ones who need to get screening done. The NCI researchers had assumed that the diagnosis and treatments of some cancers would be delayed due to COVID. Some of the cancers can grow slowly and have been affected by the pandemic on the overall cancer death rate. In the quote, "Screening rates dropped very sharply and very quickly" in the spring of 2020, said Dr. Feyer. This article mentioned that PROPR has recommendations for the improvement of cancer screenings. Last year, the NCI analyzed data for screenings from the eighth largest health care system in seven states, and the screenings have improved.

This article looked into our state, New Mexico, and how COVID had played a role in screening. As we know, many health care systems have implemented COVID safety measures, but the good thing is that in-person screenings stayed the same. Patients who want to get screening done have to wait. Researchers have compared between the years 2019 and 2020 that the NCORP had a 25% reduction in the number of cancer diagnoses. This article has provided a way to get messages out to our community, such as sharing the clinics on social media channels and helplines, or if you want to do a get-together, the very first thing you would want to address is the pandemic and making sure everyone is vaccinated.

September 30, 2021, et al. “Cancer Screening during COVID-19 Pandemic.” National Cancer Institute, NCI Staff, https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2021/cancer-screening-decreases-coronavirus-pandemic

Image Source: Chama,Angelina. New Mexico Cancer Center Bear. 2020

Cancer and Covid-19

This video mentions all the safety precautions during the pandemic. The cancer center wants to be able to protect the patients and staff. They are facing multiple issues during this time, like making sure that cancer patients aren't delaying their care because their health is more important than anything else. Another thing is that they are delaying most surgeries that are not as effective, and focusing on evaluating each patient based on their medical condition and the diagnosis they have. This is something that has changed during COVID. The care center, they have committed to providing cancer care to the patient in the safest way possible, and this includes staff getting screened every day, and each safety department has safety protocols. An issue that many cancer patients have is getting a COVID test before their radiation or treatments. But a positive impact of COVID has extended research and clinical trials, cures for patients, and trying to develop better cures and support.

Pennmedicine, director. YouTube, YouTube, 24 June 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUtESBgx85Y. Accessed 13 Nov. 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUtESBgx85Y

Image Source: Chama, Angelina. Hawaiian Girls, 2019

Eyes on the Pacific: Cancer Issues of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in Hawai'i and the US-Associated Pacific

This article discusses how cancer is ravaging Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders. According to the article, "Out of all ethnic groups in the United States, Native Hawaiians are more likely than any other to be diagnosed with late-stage disease and to die from cancer." (Tsark 2018) Furthermore, Native Hawaiians are less likely to have received cancer screenings. It could also be caused by a lack of physical health, according to researchers. Native Hawaiians, like other indigenous Americans, face barriers to timely cancer diagnosis and treatment in their homeland. Native Hawaiians are unaware of cancer, are terrified of it, and, most importantly, do not have access to cancer treatment. Hawaiians regard cancer as a death sentence. The majority of Hawaiians are so terrified that they develop anxiety while awaiting the diagnosis, treatment plan, and service. Cancer care resources are available in Honolulu, and patients from neighboring islands must travel to Honolulu for diagnosis and treatment. Cancers such as breast and cervical cancer affect Samoans disproportionately. They formed the "Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Programs," (Tsark 2018) and the majority of Samoans were unaware of the importance of screening or the recommended screening guidelines.

As a result, many cancers in this group are discovered late in their progression, when treatment options are limited. In addition, some areas of Hawaii are impoverished, and there are people who are sick but lack access to medical care. There are clinics, but their services are limited, and the hospital has a limited number of beds. Breast, colon, cervix, and prostate cancer screening is also limited due to a lack of equipment, supplies, trained personnel, and laboratory capabilities. Inadequate cancer screening awareness and infrastructure increase the likelihood of late-stage cancer diagnosis, and the region has almost no capacity to treat cancer, particularly late-stage cancer.

Tsark, JoAnn U, and Kathryn L Braun. “Eyes on the Pacific: Cancer Issues of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in Hawai'i and the US-Associated Pacific.” Journal of Cancer Education : the Official Journal of the American Association for Cancer Education, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2009, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2914228/#R2.

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January 20, 2022, et al. “Cancer Currents: An NCI Cancer Research Blog.” National Cancer Institute, https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog.

Cancer Journey for American Indians and Alaska Natives in the Pacific Northwest

American Indians and Alaska Natives spoke about their experiences with cancer and cancer treatments. Cancer patients describe their cancer journey as a group effort involving family and friends, as well as the resources of offset changes along the way. Themes such as "delays, isolation, communication, money, advocacy, spirituality, and family involvement" were all present. (Haozous 2016) Formalized paraphrase The Pacific Northwest's American Indians and Alaska Natives have "special cultural needs during cancer care." (Haozous 2016) Oncology care for AIs/ANs is complicated by distance to oncology treatment centers, inability to pay for specialty care, high transportation costs, lack of access to cancer screening, and distrust of healthcare providers. They have poor communication with the researchers when it comes to AI/ANs. They had released a survey in nearby communities, and the survey revealed that only a few people knew about their family history of cancer. There has been a knowledge gap, which can make it difficult for them to access and address the needs. If either group has had cancer, they can help to improve cancer care and advocate for others. They had conducted an experiment in which 30 people were recruited and placed in two cancer centers supporting their tribal reservation in the Pacific Northwest. They were aware and supportive of one another among 30 participants. Participants described cancer treatment as difficult for American Indians and Alaska Natives, citing treatment delays, financial challenges, transportation issues, and poor communication with clinicians. In the end, the article was divided into small sections that explained the themes in detail, both the negative and positive effects.

Haozous, Emily A, et al. “Cancer Journey for American Indians and Alaska Natives in the Pacific Northwest.” Oncology Nursing Forum, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Sept. 2016, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5546748/.

Image Source: Chama, Angelina. Different Ladies From Different Tribal Communities.2015

Addressing Cancer Disparities Among American Indian And Alaska Native Population

This short video has discussed cancer in American Indian and Alaska Natives, which has varied in each region and has included New Mexico. Different cancers have infected each region. "In the 1970s, Native Americans did not have a problem with cancer," Judith said. (Kaur 2016) Many Native women are the ones who are most affected by cancer. According to Judith Salmon Kaur, "we need to engage communities themselves and help address these problems" in many communities." (Kaur 2016)The American Indian and Alaska Native communities made a suggestion: once all of those issues were resolved, they wanted to include community members with that knowledge so that they could continue to collaborate and work toward those common goals of prevention and earlier detection. This video transported us back to our hometown of New Mexico, where 20 to 30 percent of the population lives in rural areas, which can have an impact on the cancer burden. Also, how most native communities have a tribal healer who has a significant impact. With health care, we need to stay physically active, have access to health care, and eat well; this is another way to avoid cancer. Finally, Native communities are focusing on cancer screening and referral centers to assist their people.

Addressing Cancer Disparities among Americans ... - Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLRCh8tWwzY.