Indigenous women in Central Australia share their stories to dispel myths and help save lives

A short film featuring the stories of five Indigenous breast cancer survivors from Central Australia is helping to dispel the commonly held myth that breast cancer is a guaranteed death sentence for Indigenous women.

Kathleen Wallace with the DVD ‘Listen you Women – Your breasts are precious’. Photo: EMMA MURRAY

A short film featuring the stories of five Indigenous breast cancer survivors from Central Australia is helping to dispel the commonly held myth that breast cancer is a guaranteed death sentence for Indigenous women.

Produced by breast cancer support group Bosom Buddies NT in association with MWCreative, ‘Listen you Women – Your breasts are precious’ addresses detection, diagnosis, treatment, support and recovery from breast cancer – mobilising traditional Indigenous teaching methods and language to ensure Indigenous viewers understand and relate to the material.

A two time breast cancer survivor, Kathleen Wallace said she became involved in the project after realising a lack of understanding about cancer in the Indigenous community meant women were avoiding taking care of their health.

“Some think that they can die straight way. That’s why they don’t go to the doctor. Even still today,” Mrs Wallace explained.

“One at Santa Teresa, she had cancer, but she was too scared to go to the doctor. She died. She was maybe in her early 30s.

“My first cousin, she had cancer, she used to be really sore on her nipples. She was frightened but I told her to go and see the doctor.”

Using elements found in nature to help Indigenous women understand their bodies relative to breast cancer, Mrs Wallace said some communities in Central Australia still understood cancer as an exclusively ‘white man’s’ disease.

“There’s two kinds of leaves. One in really good shape and the other one got dots and holes in it,” Mrs Wallace explained.

“That’s the sick one with the cancer and the other one looks after herself.

“I’m a survivor. I have to tell myself I’m a survivor to help other women know that there is help and they need to put themselves first.

“You have to see the doctor. There is no bush medicine that can heal it [cancer].”

BreastScreen NT will resume breast screening for women aged 50 - 74 years in Alice Springs from June 15 – July 3 and August 10 – October 2.

Ring 13 20 50 for an appointment.

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To order your free copy of ‘Listen you Women – Your breasts are precious’ visit listenyouwomen.com/order/ or email [e-mail].

Each DVD includes translation in English, Pitjantjatjara, Arrernte, Warlpiri and Anmatyerre.