Myth: Cancer is rare among Aboriginal people.

Fact: Cancer rates are rising in Aboriginal people because of the rapidly rising rates of lung, breast and colorectal cancer. The overall rate for new cancer cases in Ontario’s First Nations communities nearly doubled between 1968 and 2001.

Our Aboriginal programs work to improve cancer care for Ontario’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit people. These programs are mandated to make sure Aboriginal people in Ontario have access to quality cancer prevention, screening and symptom information that incorporates the Aboriginal holistic approach.

Aboriginal Cancer Strategy

Following a culture-based belief in the tight interconnection between the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of life, the Aboriginal Cancer Strategy promotes a holistic approach to cancer education, prevention, screening and research.

Find out more about the Aboriginal Cancer Strategy

The Aboriginal Tobacco Program (ATP)

The Aboriginal Tobacco Program engages Aboriginal communities to create health promotion strategies to decrease and prevent the misuse of tobacco, and to develop “tobacco wise” communities. This includes efforts to support smoking prevention, cessation and protection activities. Capacity building, collaborative partnerships and knowledge exchange are key strategies. Funded by the Ministry of Health Promotion.

Find out more about the Aboriginal Tobacco Program

The Aboriginal Cancer and Prevention Team (ACPT)

This team works with and for communities to improve outcomes and cancer care for Ontario’s Aboriginal peoples. The team works closely with the provincial lead for Aboriginal Cancer Control and develops various aspects of the Aboriginal Cancer Strategy with and for First Nations, Métis and Inuit populations across Ontario. Staff members on the team work to advance cancer control strategies for healthy eating, physical activity, and obesity prevention.

Let’s take a stand against… colorectal cancer!

Launched in Fall 2008, this initiative uses culturally relevant messages and tools to achieve these goals:

• build capacity and understanding within Aboriginal communities about cancer prevention and screening
• raise awareness about colorectal cancer
• inform healthcare service providers about ColonCancerCheck, the province’s colorectal cancer screening program

Find out more about the Let’s take a stand against…colorectal cancer! initiative