Breast Cancer Awareness
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for Native women. Keeping up with regular mammograms improves early detection and may help save your life.
Breast Cancer Facts
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer found in women
- Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for Native women
- Approximately 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer in her lifetime
- Native women have a 7% higher cancer rate compared to non-Hispanic white women
- Native women have a 10% higher death rate compared to non-Hispanic white women
Screening Guidelines
Check Your Breast!
Learn the signs and symptoms of breast cancer with the Check Your Breast resource. Understand what to look for when practicing self-examination, and be sure to see your doctor right away if you experience any of these changes or abnormalities in your breasts. In this infographic we use the Ojibwe word 'doodooshiman.' We have provided a blank template for you to fill in with your tribal language. Tell us how to say 'breast' in your language by writing it in the blank sheet and sharing it with AICAF on social media! Remember to use #IndigenousPink so other communities can learn about your tribe.
Indigenous Pink ® Cookbook
Nutrition plays a role in every aspect of our health, and is especially important for Native breast cancer survivors on their healing journeys. Use the Indigenous Pink Cookbook to honor the breast cancer warriors in your life by making healthy, pink food inspired recipes. After you try out these dishes, share a picture of them on social media using #IndigenousPink. Don't forget to tag us so we can see how you are making an impact in Indian Country!
Pink Shawls
Pink Shawls are made to honor and remember all of our relatives who have faced or are currently facing a breast cancer diagnosis. Community champions create them to help educate Native women about the importance of breast health and early cancer detection, while giving community members the opportunity to make their own. Pink Shawls are typically worn at community events to symbolize the many Native warriors who have survived the cancer journey.
Join Us in October for Indigenous Pink ®
Raise awareness of breast cancer in Indian Country
Raise awareness of breast cancer in Indian Country by celebrating #IndigenousPinkDay! Join AICAF every third Thursday in October to encourage loved ones to get screened and help spread the word about early detection. If you are interested in partnering with us for an Indigenous Pink event in your community or at your clinic, please contact health@aicaf.org.
Screen Our Circle
Screen Our Circle is AICAF’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It provides support to urban clinics and helps remove screening barriers by raising awareness of cancer burdens and solutions, promoting health systems changes, and performing community education and outreach activities. Please contact screenourcircle@aicaf.org to get involved.
