Enhancing the Cancer Care Journey for Indigenous Patients: A Guide for Oncology Nurses

Indigenous peoples nationally have seen a drastic increase in cancer diagnoses, often at later stages and with poorer survival rates than non-Indigenous Canadians. Colonization, assimilation policies, and racism within our healthcare system are contributors to these inequities.

As a team, we have worked for over a decade to improve the cancer care journey of Indigenous patients in Labrador. We share learnings from a qualitative community-based project with Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit land claim agreement through sharing suggested improvements from participants to improve the cancer care journey.

Acknowledging the diversity of Indigenous groups, we discuss suggestions as a guide and expand the discussion to provide interconnected suggestions for oncology nurses on enhancing care for their Indigenous patients.

Oncology nurses play a crucial role in enhancing the cancer care journey for Indigenous peoples, necessitating a commitment to culturally safe environments, ongoing professional development, and advocacy for systemic changes.