International Union for Circumpolar Health Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of RF Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences Medical Polar Fund “Science” The Northern Forum

Abstracts

Environmental health

A cohort of First Nations and non-First Nations people of Ontario was created by linking several existing records (the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, the provincial cancer registry and the Registrar General of Ontario). The examination of the data revealed that; cancer incidence was significantly lower; incidence rates were increasing at a faster rate; patterns of cancer mortality were similar; and cancer survival was poorer for the First Nations population within the same time period, 1968 to 1991.

Only a few studies of breast cancer survival in indigenous opulations have been conducted: in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. All found a disadvantage for indigenous people, similar to what is observed in Ontario. Where this has been further investigated, both a less favourable distribution of stage at diagnosis and poorer stage-specific survival have been identified in the indigenous population compared to others in the same geographic region.

For the purpose of this investigation, only breast cancer will be considered, as its burden is high. To investigate this differential, the charts of breast cancer patients will be reviewed to determine: whether stage of cancer at diagnosis differs between First Nations and non-First Nations women; whether survival for each stage differs between the groups; and to the extent possible, to examine other factors that influence survival, such as treatment and comorbidities.

Data about reasons for poorer survival among First Nations women with breast cancer can be used to advocate for changes to reduce the inequalities and improve the quality of life of First Nations women with cancer.

Note. Abstracts are published in author's edition

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Last update: 06-Jul-2012 (11:52:05)