New Report Finds Higher Cancer Risk in First Nations in Ontario

A new report developed jointly by Cancer Care Ontario and the Chiefs of Ontario shows that First Nations, especially those living on-reserve, demonstrate a much higher prevalence of cancer risk factors than non-Aboriginal Ontarians.

There are over 270,000 First Nations in Ontario, but a lack of health data makes it challenging to understand the current cancer burden in this population. The report, Cancer in First Nations in Ontario: Risk Factors and Screening, contains important information about cancer risk factors and screening uptake for both on- and off-reserve First Nations in Ontario and helps to address the data gap.

“Through our collaboration with Cancer Care Ontario, we now have essential evidence that can help inform the development of cancer screening and prevention initiatives for First Nations communities,” says Carmen Jones, Research Manager, Chiefs of Ontario. “Other than age and sex, lifestyle factors play the biggest role in determining an individual’s risk of developing cancer. The findings show that significant work is needed to address cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity among First Nations.”

The report is aligned with Cancer Care Ontario’s Aboriginal Cancer Strategy III, which highlights prevention, education and research and surveillance as key priorities. It is also in line with the Chiefs of Ontario’s goal of providing First Nations with the information they need to take control of their health and well-being.

“In general, on-reserve First Nation individuals fare more poorly than those living off-reserve and non-Aboriginal Ontarians,” says Dr. Loraine Marrett, Senior Scientist, Cancer Care Ontario. “The size of some of the observed disparities among First Nations living on-reserve are particularly alarming, including higher rates of cigarette smoking, obesity, as well as lower fruit and vegetable consumption.”

Key Facts:

• First Nation men and women living on-reserve are nearly 2 and 3 times more likely to smoke cigarettes than non-Aboriginal men and women, respectively.
• Nearly one-third of First Nation teens living on-reserve and 14% of First Nation teens living off-reserve are smokers, compared to 4% of non-Aboriginal teens.
• Among First Nations living on-reserve, the prevalence of obesity is nearly 3 times greater, while the proportion consuming an adequate amount of vegetables and fruit is one-third of that for non-Aboriginal Ontarians.
• First Nation women living on-reserve who are age-eligible for breast screening (50 to 74 years old) have lower mammography rates (55%) than their non-Aboriginal counterparts (79%).

The data shows that urgent action is needed to improve the health of First Nations in Ontario. Practical actions are required to encourage healthy behaviours, but there is also a need to develop culturally appropriate policies and programs to support individuals, families and communities in making healthy choices. Moving forward, efforts to reduce the risk and burden of cancer in First Nations will require a collaborative partnership between various health organizations.

View a full copy of the report.

Visit mycanceriq.ca today to determine your personal cancer risk. To contact an Aboriginal Patient Navigator who can help First Nations and other Aboriginal cancer patients and their families, please visit Cancer Care Ontario’s website.

Related Links

• Visit mycanceriq.ca today to determine your personal cancer risk.
• To contact an Aboriginal Patient Navigator who can help First Nations and other Aboriginal cancer patients and their families, please visit Cancer Care Ontario’s website.
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