First Nations and Métis Cancer Surveillance Program

First Nations and Métis Cancer Surveillance Program aimed to (1) develop the capacity for surveillance of cancer among Status First Nations, and (2) work with the community regarding cancer control including community-identified gaps in programs and services, and cancer prevention and early detection priorities.

Location: Saskatchewan

Timeline: 2014-2017

Funded partner: Saskatchewan Cancer Agency

Partners: 

  • Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations
  • Ochapowace First Nation
  • English River First Nation
  • Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre
  • Eagle Moon Health Office
  • First Nations and Inuit Health Branch in SK
  • Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority
  • Île-à-la-Crosse
  • Pinehouse

Focus:

  • Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre created community profiles for each of the communities they serve to provide information on health services available, contact information, hours/days of availability of various services, and other information relevant to care teams coordinating patient transitions in and out of the community during treatment.
  • English River First Nation created patient videos that can be used as a resource for Dene-speaking northern patients and families.
  • Cancer awareness activities including health fairs and lunch-and-learns related to early detection were held in each of the five partnering communities.
  • An application to Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada was submitted to access the Indian Registration System for linkage with Saskatchewan Cancer Agency databases to develop the capacity for cancer surveillance.

Outcomes:

  • Increased knowledge of First Nations and Métis cancer experiences
  • Increased awareness of existing culturally relevant supports and services
  • Improved patient transitions in care