Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 28, Number 11, 1 November 2011 — Fighting for improved health [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Fighting for improved health

By Claire Ku'uleilani Hughes, Dr. PH„ R.D. Breast cancer is one of the most eommon eancers among U.S. women. Nationally, the breast cancer incidence (newly diagnosed cases) and breast cancer deaths eonhnue to decline. Also nationally, patient survival following diagnosis and treatment has steadily improved. In the early 1900s, few patients could hope to survive breast cancer; in the 1930s, fewer than one in five lived beyond five years after treatment; and in the 1960s,

one in three patients survived after five years. Today, nationally, the five-year cancer survival rate is 91 percent for Asian and White women, 86 percent for Hispanic/Latinos and Paeihe Islander women, and 84 percent for American Indian/ Alaska Native women. These are vastly improved outcomes that are due to earlier and improved diagnoses and treatment methods. Current data show that overall female breast cancer has also decreased in Hawai'i; however, there are ethnic differences. Among women of all major ethnic groups in Hawai'i, Native Hawaiian women have the highest breast cancer incidence and breast cancer death rates, the highest lung cancer incidence and death rates, and the highest incidence rates for all cancers. Many of these statistics reflect lifestyle choices

that Hawaiian women make. We know that cancer ean result from external factors (chemicals, radiation, viruses), intemal factors (hormones, genetics, immune conditions), and lifestyle choices (tobacco use, aleohol consumption, poor nutrition, physical inactivity and unprotected sun exposure). Estimates indicate that almost 30 percent of Hawai'i's cancer deaths could have been averted by avoiding tobacco use (smoking or chewing), and about 35 percent could have been prevented by improving nutrition and maintaining a normal weight. That 65 percent is huge! What ean Native Hawaiian women to do to prevent cancer? The steps are clear: 1) Take immediate steps to stop smoking, 2) Cut way down on aleohol consumption, 3) Add vegetables and fruit back into family meals, 4) Start daily physical activity and

regular exercise, and 5) Get annual cancer screenings for all women in your family. A cancer diagnosis is frightening, and first reactions to fear are understandable. However, inaction, or doing nothing, is not wise. Women have treatment choices, today. Treatments and medical care for breast cancer have improved significantly since the 1900s. So, take a day or two to collect yourself and then, get busy. » Choose a support person, one who will keep you moving forward; » Get to the doctor, ask what your options are and where to get more information; » Act. Choose a treatment and do it; » Continue discussions with your doctor about what to expect and what to do. Most importantly, reach into your Hawaiian roots for the strength to get through this experience. Hawaiian fierceness against adversity is without match! In re-

reading the book Kamehameha anel his Warrior Kekūhaupi'o, I found descriptions of our ancestors' immediate responses to numerous threats, and their ever constant readiness and preparedness. Hawaiian warriors, both men and

women, sought the support of their gods and then responded, acting in unison. Thousands followed the commands and examples of their ali'i on to victory. Do the same. Our Hawaiian ancestors were strong, smart and brave. And, they ate a mostly plant-based diet. We ean use our inherited mana to make changes to gain improved heahh. ■

Today, nationally, the five-year cancer survival rate is 91 percent

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