Cancer
It is difficult to determine the rates of cancer among Aboriginal women as current statistics are incomplete regarding the incidence, prevalence and severity of the disease among the female Aboriginal population. The provinces that have reported incidence rates, indicate that although prevalence of most types of cancer rates among Aboriginal women remain low, certain types of preventable cancer including breast, lung, cervical and colorectal cancers are starting to rise.
The Challenge
Although cancer rates among Aboriginal women remains relatively low, NWAC is concerned about the increasing incidence of preventable cancers in the Aboriginal population. Insufficient data currently exists regarding the national perspective, as well as why there is an increase in incidence.
It is suggested that given increased risk factors for other diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease and the high levels of tobacco use, risk factors for cancers are higher as a result. It has also been determined that Aboriginal women have increased barriers to early detection and cancer screening which results in women seeking care much later in the disease process, thereby increasing cancer mortality rates.
A study completed in New Brunswick indicated that only 29% of First Nations women in five communities were aware of a provincial self-referral program for cancer screening.
In addition, due to a variety of factors, Aboriginal women are not participating in pre-screening for breast cancer and cervical cancer which would be performed as a matter of course in annual physicals. This would indicate why cervical cancer among Aboriginal women is higher than the mainstream Canadian population in Manitoba, British Columbia and some areas in the north.
The Program
In response to the current cancer crisis in Canada, various cancer stakeholders came together and developed an integrated, comprehensive and pan-Canadian approach to cancer control entitled: the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control Strategy (CSCC).
In 2006, the federal government committed to $260 million over 5 years to address the cancer crisis. The goals of the CSCC are to reduce the number of Canadians diagnosed with cancer, enhance the quality of life of those living with cancer and lesson the likelihood of dying with cancer.
As a part of this strategy, NWAC conducted four dialogue sessions to discuss the framework and make recommendations to the strategy that would speak to the specific needs of Aboriginal women. Participants from almost every region gathered to increase their awareness of the CSCC and provide their input on the strategic plan in terms of how it could be of greater benefit to them.
Through its consultative dialogue sessions, NWAC identified issues specific to Aboriginal women that should be explored and addressed, primarily around access to services. For instance, some medical interventions are not covered by provincial health care plans, or by First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, resulting in increased financial burden and increased stress. It has been found that services accessible to Aboriginal women are often inadequate and/or sub-standard in comparison to mainstream Canadian women. Cultural safety in health care delivery and cultural appropriate materials are also inadequate and sometimes non-existent, and there are issues regarding language barriers where English is spoken as a second language.
Based on these dialogue sessions, it was concluded that a pan-Canadian approach is unsuitable for Aboriginal women. NWAC promotes a culturally-relevant gender based process in all priority areas because of the specific needs and unique circumstances of Aboriginal women.
The Opportunity
Ultimately, the CCSC aims to reduce both the incidence and prevalence of cancer among all Canadians, and strives to prevent its occurrence through public education, early detection and screening, however, with regards to Aboriginal women, the pan-Canadian strategy falls short of addressing specific needs of this target population. For Aboriginal women to benefit from the CCSC, a broad range of recommendations have been brought to the fore. These recommendations included:
- Development and dissemination of culturally appropriate information on cancer prevention and early detection;
- Improved access to cancer screening initiatives, presented in a culturally-safe and respectful manner, particularly in remote and isolated communities;
- Addressing issues for care, treatment and support for those living with cancer, including equitable access, caregiver support, decreasing financial burdens and elimination of jurisdictional barriers;
- Support for Traditional healers and cultural healing practices;
- Research to improve current data regarding cancer and Aboriginal women, research around risk factors, climate change and cancer, research on effects of environment, etc.;
- Adequate and equitable funding for Aboriginal women to develop and implement education, awareness, prevention, and care, treatment and support.