education

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month: Honoring Resilience and Promoting Health Equity

November marks Native American Heritage Month, a celebration of the rich history, diverse cultures, and significant contributions of Native American communities. This month also serves as a poignant reminder of the disparities and challenges faced by these communities, including alarming rates of cervical cancer. 

Cervical Cancer Disparities in Native American Communities

Cervical cancer disproportionately affects Native American women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Indian/Alaska Native women experience higher cervical cancer incidence rates compared to white women. Factors contributing to these disparities include:

  • Limited access to healthcare services, including cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination
  • Cultural barriers and mistrust in healthcare systems
  • Higher rates of smoking and obesity
  • Limited health education and awareness

Empowering Native American Communities

Cervivor, Inc., a non-profit organization, works to eliminate cervical cancer disparities. Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, Cervivor promotes health equity and empowers Native American communities to take control of their health.

Let’s share some of our affected Cervivor community members’ personal stories during this important month…

Kristine

Kristine is half Native American and half Caucasian. When she was diagnosed with cervical cancer, she turned to her heritage for strength. It served as a reminder of those who came before her and what it meant to have their blood running through her veins. Kristine expresses, “I believe my strength comes from both sides of my family. We come from a long line of warriors. I was diagnosed with stage I cervical cancer in 2012 when I was 34 years old to which I received a radical hysterectomy. The decisions leading to that were difficult and heart-wrenching as I wasn’t sure our family was complete. I suffered from anxiety and depression for a few years after. Being diagnosed with cancer is difficult – it teaches you humility and vulnerability all the while showing you what strength you possess even years later.”

Nicole

Nicole’s journey with cervical cancer began unexpectedly. A hospital visit for a suspected UTI revealed a startling diagnosis: stage IIIC cervical cancer. Nicole’s life changed forever. The initial shock gave way to determination. Nicole refused to let cancer defeat her, driven by the desire to be there for her children. Having lost her mother at 16, she knew the pain of growing up without a parent. With newfound resolve, Nicole shared her diagnosis with loved ones, finding comfort in their unwavering support. Nicole’s experience has ignited a passion for advocacy. Through Cervivor, she shares her story to raise awareness and promote education. Nicole’s resilience inspires others to confront cervical cancer boldly. Her story embodies strength, inspiring others to confront cervical cancer head-on. And her unwavering spirit encourages open conversations, promotes health education, and honors the resilience of Native American communities during Native American Heritage Month.

Beverly 

Beverly’s courageous journey with stage IIIB cervical cancer began at 40. Amidst fear and uncertainty, Beverly found solace in traditional ceremonies, communal support, and determination. Embracing both spiritual practices and medical interventions, Beverly underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical implantation of radioactive material. Despite community doubts and personal terror, she chose a path blending modern medicine with ancestral wisdom. Beverly faced judgment, whispering, and avoidance, but also kindness from supportive community members. Driving herself to treatments, exhausted and lonely, she persevered. “My song will continue until my last breath,” she says. Beverly embodies Native American resilience, inspiring others through Cervivor. Her spirit honors ancestral strength during Native American Heritage Month.

Get Involved

Native American Heritage Month celebrates resilience, strength, and cultural richness. Addressing cervical cancer disparities requires collective action. Organizations like Cervivor play a vital role in promoting health equity and empowering Native American communities. By sharing stories like Kristine’s, Nicole’s, and Beverly’s, we honor their experiences and amplify the call for change. 

  • Learn about cervical cancer prevention and disparities
  • Support patient advocacy organizations like Cervivor
  • Advocate for health equity and culturally sensitive care
  • Celebrate Native American Heritage Month by promoting awareness and understanding

We can eliminate cervical cancer disparities, honor the heritage, and build resilience in Native American communities.

Creating Connections Program Spotlight: Breaking Down Barriers and Building Community

Cervivor’s Creating Connections Program is a ray of hope for individuals affected by cervical cancer. The innovative program is dedicated to cultivating a supportive community, addressing stigma, and providing essential resources through a monthly virtual support group. 

How does the Creating Connections Program help?

The program offers a safe space for people to share their experiences, receive emotional support, and connect with others who understand their journey. It provides:

  • An online support group
  • Educational resources
  • Mentorship and coaching
  • Advocacy and awareness initiatives

“Being a part of the Creating Connections cervical cancer support group has been life-changing. It’s given me a safe space to share my journey, connect with others who truly understand, and find strength in community,” says Cervivor community member Janet Tennyson, who’s been attending the virtual group from her home in California for the last few months. “Through our shared stories and support, I’ve gained hope, resilience, and the comfort of knowing I’m never alone.”

How does Cervivor address stigma?

The stigma surrounding HPV and cervical cancer often leads to misinformation, fear, and silence, which can hinder prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. At Cervivor, we tackle stigma head-on, especially through our Creating Connections virtual meetings. Here are some of the ways they help lessen stigma:

Sharing Personal Stories and Experiences

We create a safe space for individuals to share their personal stories, experiences, and struggles with cervical cancer and HPV-related diseases. By sharing their journeys, we put a face to the disease and show that it can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, or background.

Promoting Education and Awareness

We cultivate an environment where individuals feel comfortable discussing their experiences, asking questions, and seeking support. We know that education is key to dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding cervical cancer and HPV-related diseases. We provide accurate and reliable information to help individuals understand the disease, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Open conversations help to break down barriers and reduce stigma.

Fostering a Sense of Community and Belonging

We bring individuals together to form a supportive community where they can connect, share, and support one another past our monthly virtual meeting. This sense of belonging helps to alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness, often associated with stigma.

Talitha Stempin, a Cervivor community member from Michigan shares her experience of joining last month’s call, “Creating Connections was so powerful! I connected with multiple people just during one session! I’m thankful for the new friends who GET IT!”

The Creating Connections Program is a testament to the transformative power of community. By tackling stigma and offering vital resources, Cervivor is making a profound impact on lives and cultivating a supportive network for those affected by cervical cancer.

How to Join

If you or someone you know is navigating this journey, know that support, hope, and healing are within reach. Join the Creating Connections Program to connect with others who understand your experience.

Ready to connect? 

  • Register now at https://cervivor.org/events/. 
  • When: The second Tuesday of every month
  • Where: Zoom platform (link provided upon registration)

Take the first step towards a supportive community. Register today and find connection, hope, and healing.