Population-Level Outcomes for Screening Program Cancers in First Nations People in Ontario, Canada.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Screening program cancers, including breast, cervical, and colon cancer, are significant public health concerns.
• Understanding cancer trends among First Nations communities is crucial for informing targeted interventions and improving healthcare systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine and compare cancer incidence, mortality, and survival trends for breast, cervical, and colon cancers between First Nations people and other Ontario residents.
• To identify disparities in cancer outcomes and inform improvements in cancer control strategies for Indigenous populations in Ontario, Canada.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study utilizing linked health administrative data from 1994 to 2019.
• Analysis included incidence, mortality, and survival data for breast, cervical, and colon cancers.
• Statistical methods included negative binomial and Cox proportional hazards regression, adjusting for relevant covariates.

Main Results:

• First Nations females had lower incidence and mortality for breast cancer but higher incidence and mortality for cervical cancer compared to other Ontario females.
• First Nations people exhibited higher incidence and mortality for colon cancer.
• First Nations people diagnosed with these cancers had a higher likelihood of mortality compared to other Ontario residents.

Conclusions:

• Significant cancer disparities persist between First Nations people and other Ontario residents, despite some positive trends over time.
• There is a critical need to optimize cancer prevention, screening programs, and care delivery systems for Indigenous peoples in Ontario.
• Evidence-based strategies are required to address these persistent inequities in cancer outcomes.