Navajo

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.

Bridging the Gap for Native American Heritage Month

November is not only a time for Thanksgiving, it is also National Native American Heritage Month. Let’s come together to celebrate the rich cultures and contributions of Native Americans while shedding light on the importance of cervical health and the disparities surrounding cervical cancer diagnosis in Native American communities. 

Cervical cancer is a disease that impacts individuals of all backgrounds, including those in the Native American community. Cervical cancer disproportionately affects underserved and marginalized populations, including Native American women. These disparities are often due to limited access to healthcare, educational resources, and cultural barriers. Native American communities, like many others, face challenges in cervical cancer prevention and early detection which can detect abnormal changes in the cervix early, when they are most treatable.
Beverly is a Cervivor community member who is a part of the Easter Band of Cherokee Indians. As we acknowledge National Native American Heritage Month we take a look at Beverly’s Cervivor story.

“When I learned at age 40 that I had stage IIIB cervical cancer, it sounded like a death sentence. I remember thinking “My children are too young to be left alone!”

Immediately, I went into a series of traditional ceremonies with my community. During sweats, I pictured the tumor melting. My children sang healing songs. But I didn’t pray for instant healing—I prayed for strength and clarity. At the sun dance, where prayers were said for me, I received items like eagle plumes and prayer ties. The water ceremony was also very powerful—and the hospital showed respect for it. I can never forget the amazing change the ceremony brought to the lymph node surgery I had less than an hour later. My traditions are everything to me, and they were what I held onto during this time.”

Kristine, a Cervivor community member representing the Navajo Zuni Clan shares:

“When I was diagnosed with cervical cancer I had to lean on my heritage for my source of strength. It was a great reminder of the those that came before me and what it meant to have their blood run through mine. Navajo women are the matriarch and we (all Navajo’s) introduce ourselves by clan which identifies and defines relationships between individuals and families. When you meet someone with one or more of your same clan, you become related by clan. You can also tell a region by someone’s clan. 

According to the American Indian Cancer Foundation, American Indian and Alaska Native women are nearly twice as likely to develop cervical cancer compared to white women and four times as likely to die from it. Those are statistics I would like to help change. Cervical cancer is preventable. I share my story to remind you to be proactive with your health. Make those uncomfortable gynecologist/prevention visits and ask about the HPV vaccination for your child(ren). ”

Through the work with Cervivor, Inc. and community partner organizations, we can reduce and close the disparity gap:  

  • Education: Promote awareness about cervical cancer and its risk factors within Native American communities. Partner with local health organizations, community leaders, and tribal authorities to host workshops, webinars, or informational sessions and include patients and survivors to share their stories and experiences.
  • Access to Care: Advocate for improved access to healthcare services, including cervical cancer screening and vaccination, in underserved areas with high Native American populations.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Tailor educational campaigns to respect and acknowledge the cultural beliefs and practices of Native American communities. Building trust and understanding is essential for effective outreach.
  • Support and Resources: Collaborate with healthcare providers and organizations to ensure that Native American women have access to affordable screenings and follow-up care, if necessary.
  • Encourage Vaccination: Promote HPV vaccination to protect young girls and boys from the virus, ultimately reducing cervical cancer rates.

We can make a significant difference in the lives of Native American communities and all those affected by this preventable disease. Let’s honor our past while working towards a healthier future for everyone. Do you identify as Native American or Alaskan Indian? Share your Cervivor story today!