Indigenous nurse and cancer survivor tackles healthcare barriers in community after being overlooked

Indigenous Nurse and Cancer Survivor Fights Healthcare Barriers

Lianne Mantla-Look advocates for Indigenous healthcare access after overcoming cancer

Health

Lianne Mantla-Look, Behchokǫ̀, Northwest Territories, Cancer Survivor, Indigenous Healthcare

Behchokǫ̀: In 2015, Lianne Mantla-Look, a nurse from Behchokǫ̀, had her life turned upside down during a trip to Edmonton. She was just gathering supplies for her new home when she got a call that changed everything.

Her gastroenterologist asked if she was sitting down, and then he dropped the bombshell: “You have cancer.” That moment was a tough one for her, and she broke down. Fast forward to today, and she’s been cancer-free for nine years. Now, she’s on a mission to raise awareness about the healthcare barriers Indigenous people face.

As the first registered nurse from the Tłıcho region, Lianne’s journey started with some troubling symptoms in 2014. She had ongoing gastrointestinal issues that just wouldn’t go away. After some tests, her doctor found traces of blood in her stool, which was concerning for someone her age.

When she was referred for a colonoscopy, it was turned down because she was deemed too young for colon cancer. Frustrated, she pushed for a second opinion, which led to more tests. She had a gut feeling that something was seriously wrong.

After waiting longer than expected for results, she got the call while in Edmonton. The diagnosis was stomach cancer, and everything moved quickly from there. The healthcare system was a challenge, especially since she had to deal with medical travel arrangements from the Northwest Territories.

Her surgery was intense, lasting about ten hours, and the recovery was brutal. For the first time, she was the patient, not the caregiver. It was a whole new experience for her.

Despite the pain and challenges, Lianne didn’t back down. Now, at 43 and cancer-free, she’s not just a survivor; she’s also a mom, which her surgeon once thought wouldn’t be possible after her surgery.

Lianne believes it’s vital for Indigenous patients to feel empowered to advocate for themselves. Her experience raises important questions about the quality of care Indigenous people receive, especially when they’re far from home and support.

Indigenous communities face higher rates of stomach cancer, and geographical barriers make accessing care even tougher. Many have to travel to Alberta for treatment, which can be a financial strain on top of health issues.

Building trust in healthcare is crucial, according to Lianne. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting Indigenous cultures and languages. When patients can communicate in their language, it makes a big difference.

She shared a story about an elderly woman who thought she needed an interpreter. When Lianne spoke to her in Tłı̨chǫ, the woman was shocked and relieved. It’s moments like these that show how important it is to create a welcoming environment in healthcare.

Lianne’s philosophy is “Strong Like Two People,” which means being comfortable in both Indigenous and Western cultures. She’s also involved with a non-profit organization that supports cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers, helping them navigate their journeys.

Image Credits and Reference: https://ca.news.yahoo.com/you-have-cancer-my-girl-indigenous-nurse-and-cancer-survivor-tackles-healthcare-barriers-in-community-after-being-overlooked-230340172.html