Moffit Cancer Center Lectures on the Reservation

By Emma Brown

BRIGHTON — Members of the Moffit Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla. shared an interesting statistic with members of the Brighton community on Nov. 9 at a cancer awareness luncheon. They said cancer is the second leading cause of death among American Indians 45 years old or older, falling short to heart disease which is the number one killer of Native Americans.

There are many different types of cancers that effect men and women with breast cancer being the most common in women and prostate cancer being the most common among men. The H. Lee Moffit Cancer Center and research Institute is located on the University of South Florida campus. They are world renowned for their research in cancer and have over 200 researchers researching different kinds of cancer.

The Moffit Center is one of 39 National Cancer Institute’s designated comprehensive cancer centers in the U.S. We are very lucky to have such a phenomenal cancer center so close to the Seminole Reservations.

During the luncheon members of the center offered details on different kinds of cancer and some preventative methods that could be used to detect or avoid one of these potentially deadly types of diseases. They also had models set up to show men and women how to perform self examinations or how examinations are performed in a Doctor’s office for breast and prostate cancer.

During their power point presentation they showed pictures of the medical instruments that were used for some of these examinations and gave out literature for each person to take home that would help broaden their knowledge of cancer. Although there are no guarantees, one thing that the Moffit Center spokesperson shared with the audience was that eating well and exercising was essential to staying healthy.

A representative also shared that emotional well being is also very important to staying healthy. There are no guarantees that cancer will not affect you, but eating healthy, exercising and living stress free are all factors that could help off set this deadly disease.

Cancer survivors from the Brighton community were honored during the luncheon for their courage and strength that helped them beat the odds. Jack Micco, Loretta Peterson, Willie Johns, Addie Osceola, Rosie Billie and Lola Gopher are all Seminole survivors that display strength in their community and are evidence that you can beat cancer.

The Brighton Medical Clinic does a great job in bringing awareness about health risks to our community and engaging the community to stay fit and healthy. We are lucky to have such a dedicated staff working so hard to ensure that we all live long and healthy lives. Visit your local health clinic for any questions that you have about your health or well-being.