Cancer among Indigenous Communities: Disparities & Challenges

• Published in: University of Western Ontario Medical Journal
• Main Authors: Mishra, Anamika, Shi, Nancy
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Western Libraries 2021
• Subjects: Health Promotion; First Nations
• Online Access: https://ojs.lib.uwo.ca/index.php/uwomj/article/view/9366

Given the history of racism and systemic oppression of Indigenous communities, examining and addressing health inequities in in Indigenous continues to be relevant and important. An increasing number of healthcare problems are emerging from Indigenous communities.1,2 Canadian First Nations women and men have lower life expectancies and increasing rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, heart disease, and obesity.1 Some evidence suggests that the burden of cancer is lower among Indigenous communities than the overall population.3 However, there is much data indicating that this rate in increasing and that members of Indigenous communities have increased mortality rates when compared to non-Indigenous groups for cancers of the cervix, breast, gallbladder, lip and oropharynx, liver, lung, prostate and stomach.4,5 This paper discusses cancer incidence, risk factors, screening, and detection of cancers among Indigenous communities. This is followed by a discussion of potential interventions that may reduce the burden-related morbidity and mortality of cancer on these communities. Indigenous communities continue to experience unique barriers to accessing appropriate cancer care and preventive services and steps to minimize health inequalities should be taken.