Listuguj Holds First Cancer Walk

On October 4^th, the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government held its first-ever Cancer Awareness Walk in the community. The event was put on by the staff at Listuguj Community Health Services (LCHS), and it was a tremendous success.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but the event was inclusive to those battling, or having battled all forms of cancer. Lavender merchandise and swag were handed out at the event, and the colour was chosen by LCHS to represent all cancer types.

The Listuguj Police Department led the walk, starting at the Youth Centre and ending at the Community Centre.

At the Community Centre, an opening prayer was done by Blanche Martin.  Audrey Isaac did the opening and closing remarks of the evening and introduced special guests and breast cancer survivors, Donna Wysote and Pamela Isaac. The survivors shared their emotional experiences and stories with the crowd.

Attendees were served hearty soup and rolls made by Eli Isaac. Along with cupcakes donated by IGA Extra Campbellton. Floyd Metallic provided the entertainment and was the DJ for the evening.

The event acknowledged those who are currently battling cancer and the survivors. A mini candlelight ceremony was held in honour of those who may have lost the fight with cancer but will never lose their place in our hearts.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, it is estimated that in 2022:

• 28,600 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. This represents 25% of all new cancer cases in women in 2022.
• 5,500 Canadian women will die from breast cancer. This represents 14% of all cancer deaths in women in 2022.
• On average, 78 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer every day.
• On average, 15 Canadian women will die from breast cancer every day.
• 270 Canadian men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 55 will die from breast cancer.

If you are 40 to 49 years old, talk to your doctor about your risk for breast cancer, along with the benefits and limitations of having a mammogram.

If you are 50 to 74 years old, have a mammogram every 2 years.

If you are 75 or older, talk to your doctor about whether having a mammogram is right for you.

Thank you to the team at LCHS for organizing this successful event: Melissa Lavoie, Jennifer Caplin, Teeka Dedam, Tyra Barnaby, Kara Metallic, Wanda Metallic, Lori-Lynn Wysote, Cindy Isaac, and Olivia Isaac.

For information on cancer, or for general inquiries, feel free to contact Listuguj Community Health Services at 418-788-2155.

By Ann Jacques