To report on cancer incidence, mortality, and survival among First Nations adults in Ontario, focusing on breast, cervical, and colon cancers.
Approach:
Study Design: Cohort study involving Indigenous partners in project design and implementation, utilizing data from Ontario Health and ICES.
Data Collection: Analysis of cancer incidence from 1994 to 2018, mortality from 1994 to 2017, and time from diagnosis to death from 2007 to 2019.
Population: Included First Nations adults aged 18 years or older with registered status under the Indian Act.
Key Findings:
From 1991 to 2010, there was a higher incidence of colon and cervical cancers and lower survival rates for First Nations people compared to non-Indigenous people.
From 1991 to 2010, there was an increasing incidence of breast cancer among First Nations females, with worse survival compared to non-Indigenous females.
Community engagement validated findings and highlighted younger ages at cancer diagnosis among First Nations individuals.
Interpretation:
The study reports disparities in cancer outcomes for First Nations communities in Ontario.
Limitations:
Data limitations precluded the inclusion of Métis and Inuit populations.
Individual-level race and ethnicity data were not collected during the study period.
Conclusion:
The findings indicate significant cancer disparities among First Nations adults in Ontario.
by Amanda J. Sheppard, Rinku Sutradhar, Ning Liu, Alethea Kewayosh, Sayna Leylachian, Laura Senese, Andrea Ianni, Sarah Hyett, Anna M. Chiarelli, Rachel Kupets, C. Martin Tammemägi, Jill Tinmouth
