Stomach cancer survivor from Behchok, N.W.T., talks diagnosis and navigating the medical system [Video]

It took just hours for Lianne Mantla-Look, a Tłı̨chǫ citizen from Behchokǫ̀, N.W.T., to go from being a nurse to a patient. 

Mantla-Look was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2015. Now, she’s telling her story in recognition of Stomach Cancer Awareness Day on Saturday, and sharing advice for others navigating the medical system. 

She’s now been cancer-free for nine years, but she still recalls how getting a diagnosis was a challenge.  

It started with gastrointestinal troubles that Manta-Look said were unusual for her. When her symptoms persisted after six months of adjusting diet, blood work, and consulting a nutritionist, her doctor ordered a FIT test. It’s a take-home test that indicates whether someone has blood in their stool, which can be a symptom of stomach or colon cancer.

Her test returned positive, but the surgeon said Mantla-Look was too young for colon cancer and that her test was likely wrong. …