FNHA Nurse Coordinator, Erin Kryschuk, shares her mom's story with cancer caused by HPV and calls for everyone to take steps to advocate for their health.
When Erin Kryschuk reflects on her mother, Dorinda, she speaks of her kindness, curiosity and good nature. A woman who laughs easily and genuinely, Dorinda has always treated those around her with warmth and compassion.
Erin was raised in Mackenzie, BC, where she continues to reside today. She has mixed ancestry, reflected by her mother's settler roots and her father's mixed Métis and Ukrainian heritage.
“My mom is truly the kindest person that I've ever met," says Erin. “She is so curious and has an intense desire to know people. She taught me to really look at and see people—it's part of the reason I decided to become a nurse."
In 2019, the Kryschuk family faced an unexpected challenge—Dorinda was diagnosed with head and neck cancer caused by HPV. Since then, Dorinda has endured difficult treatment, faced multiple diagnoses, and twice celebrated being cancer-free. Recently, she was diagnosed for a third time—this time with stage 4 cancer.
The impact of HPV and the power of prevention
HPV is a common virus that causes six types of cancer, including cervical, throat, and head and neck cancers. Each year, HPV leads to approximately 630,000 cancer diagnoses worldwide. In BC, thousands of people suffer from HPV-related illnesses, and among First Nations people, cervical cancer caused by HPV was the fifth most diagnosed cancer between 2008 and 2017.
While not all HPV infections lead to cancer, some do—changing lives forever. That's why Erin, now an Immunization Nurse Coordinator with the First Nations Health Authority, is dedicated to raising awareness.
“The HPV vaccine is over 95 per cent effective when given at a young age," Erin explains. “It's routinely offered in Grade 6, but it's free for all youth if you get your first dose before you turn 19. If someone misses it in school, they can still get it for free from a health care provider."
For those who weren't vaccinated as children, Erin emphasizes that it's never too late. “Even if you get it later in life, it still provides crucial protection against cancer."
Turning pain into purpose
Despite the hardships her family has faced, Erin and her mother find hope in helping others. “My mom gets so excited when I tell her about people choosing to get vaccinated after speaking with me," Erin shares. “I recently hosted a workshop where several people decided to get the HPV vaccine. That meant everything to her."Cancers caused by HPV, especially head and neck cancers, often go undetected in the early stages. Unlike cervical cancer, which has screening tests, there are few early detection methods for head and neck cancers. This makes prevention through vaccination even more critical.
Erin's message is simple but powerful: “So much pain and stress can be prevented through vaccination. You are worth protecting."
Erin sneaks a selfie with her mom Dorinda before she receives radiation treatment. Erin jokes, “My mom was secured to the table, so she didn't have much of a choice for the photo. We both had a good laugh at that."
Learn more about the HPV vaccine
The HPV vaccine is a proven way to prevent cancer, yet some people remain unsure or hesitant. Erin encourages individuals to advocate for their own health and urges health care providers to talk about it with their patients.
“If you can, find someone you trust to talk about your wellness," she says. “And if you're a health care provider, bring it up with your patients. We all have a role in preventing cancer."
For Erin and Dorinda, their journey has been one of hardship, love, and advocacy. If their story can help even one person avoid the pain of cancer caused by HPV, it will make their journey a little less hard.
You can learn more about the HPV vaccine at fnha.ca/HPV. Speak with your health care provider about protecting yourself and your loved ones with the HPV vaccine.
