🎗 Feeding Our Bodies, Fighting Cancer

Cancer touches nearly every family. In March, during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and National Nutrition Month, the Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe reminds our people that food is medicine, and prevention is power. By reclaiming traditional foods and accessing screenings, we can protect ourselves and future generations.

📊 The Crisis in Numbers

• Cancer is the second leading cause of death for AI/AN people[^1].
  
• AI/AN communities have higher colorectal cancer rates and deaths than whites[^2].
  
• Up to 50% of colorectal cancers are preventable through screening and healthy lifestyle changes[^3].
  

🌿 The Impact on Indigenous Communities

For Indigenous families, cancer creates not only physical hardship but cultural disruption. When elders or parents are sick, ceremonies, language teaching, and knowledge transfer are disrupted. Cancer disparities reflect systemic barriers to healthcare, lack of culturally relevant prevention, and limited access to fresh foods.

⚠️ Recognizing the Signs

Colorectal cancer symptoms may include:

• Blood in stool or rectal bleeding
  
• Persistent abdominal pain or cramping
  
• Unexplained weight loss
  
• Fatigue
  
• Changes in bowel habits lasting more than a few days
  

🌎 Pathways to Prevention

• Screenings: Colonoscopies and stool tests can detect cancer early or prevent it altogether.
  
• Traditional Foods: Corn, beans, squash, berries, and fish strengthen bodies against illness.
  
• Movement: Walking, dancing, and drumming improve immunity and energy.
  
• Avoid Risk Factors: Quit smoking, limit alcohol, and eat fewer processed foods.
  

💜 What You Can Do

• For yourself: Ask your doctor about cancer screenings starting at age 45—or earlier if you have a family history.
  
• For families: Cook traditional meals together and encourage each other to get screened.
  
• For community: Advocate for cancer screening access and nutrition programs for Indigenous people.
  

📌 Resources for Cancer Prevention & Nutrition

1. American Cancer Society – Cancer Prevention & Screening – cancer.org
   
2. CDC – Colorectal Cancer Awareness – cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal
   
3. NIH National Cancer Institute (NCI) – cancer.gov
   
4. Native American Cancer Research Corporation (NACR) – natamcancer.org
   
5. First Nations Development Institute – Food & Health – firstnations.org
   

🌅 Closing

Every meal can be medicine. Every screening is an act of protection. Together, we can fight cancer with knowledge, prevention, and tradition.

Wutcheequtamuk nutanamuk. | Together, we heal.