Cancer Screening Research

Métis people get screened for cancer at lower rates compared to non-Indigenous people in Canada. Cancer screening is essential to detect cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable.

Learn more about our work to improve access to cancer screening for Métis Albertans.

Cancer Screening Survey

There is limited Métis-specific health research, including information related to cancer screening among Métis people. To help fill this gap, we conducted our Nishtohtamihk li kaansyr (Understanding Cancer): Cancer Screening, Outcomes, and Experiences among Métis People in Alberta survey to gain a better understanding of Métis Albertans’ experiences with cancer screening. This survey was conducted in 2022.

From this survey, we developed and published two manuscripts to advance cancer screening research for Métis Albertans:
- Creation of a Métis-Specific Instrument for Cancer Screening: A Scoping Review of Cancer-Screening Programs and Instruments
- Barriers to and Facilitators of Breast, Cervical and Colorectal Cancer Screening and Cancer Screening Histories of Métis People in Alberta, Canada
We recently completed our Nishtohtamihk li kaansyr (Understanding Cancer): Cancer Screening Survey Report. The information from this report is essential in understanding the challenges Métis Albertans experience while accessing cancer screening programs, as well as opportunities we can leverage to address existing gaps and barriers to improve cancer screening rates in our community.

This work was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

Cancer Screening Among Métis People in Alberta, Canada

We compared cancer screening rates among Métis and non-Métis People using cancer system data. This project builds on previous studies by helping us understand cancer screening rates among Métis Albertans and ultimately develop interventions to improve access to screening programs in Alberta. We thank the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Screening Programs for their partnership with this project.

Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening: Cervical and breast cancer screening outcomes among Métis People in Alberta, Canada
Cervical and Breast Cancer Screening Outcomes Among Métis People in Alberta, Canada
Colorectal Cancer Screening: check back soon for updates!

This work was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

Cancer Screening Community Gatherings and Phone Interviews

In January and February 2024, community gatherings were held in Calgary and Edmonton, and telephone interviews were conducted to gain a deeper understanding of Métis Albertans’ cancer screening experiences. This includes the barriers that exist to cancer screening programs in Alberta and the resources that could help improve access to these programs. We offer our gratitude to everyone who participated in these gatherings and interviews to help improve access to cancer screening for Métis Albertans.

We are currently developing a Cancer Screening Guide. This guide will help improve access to information about cancer screening and provide a culturally appropriate and accessible resource for information on cancer screening. The Cancer Screening Guide will be informed by what we heard from Métis Albertans during the gathering and telephone interviews, as well as recommendations provided by AHS Screening Programs. Check back soon for updates!

This work is funded by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC).

Learn more about getting screened

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