Treaty #3 Cancer Burden Report Launched

Obashkaandagaang First Nation, Ontario – At the annual Spring Assembly, Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh announced the launch of the Cancer Burden Report: the first report of its kind to focus specifically on Treaty #3 First Nations.

This report comes after a relationship agreement was signed between Grand Council Treaty #3 Chiefs and Aboriginal Cancer Care Ontario in May of 2013.

The Cancer Burden Report was designed to be informative about the different types of cancers that impact Treaty #3 people, as well as identify risk factors and emphasize the importance of early screening and post care services.

Key report findings include: a higher occurrence of several types of cancers, particularly colorectal and cervical cancer, and lower survival rates in certain cancers in comparison to other residents in Ontario.

Heath providers will now have the necessary information required to tailor programs and services specific to Treaty #3 people, which can improve the impact of cancer within our communities. Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh stated, “This report marks an important milestone in our continued work together to improve the health status, outcomes and experiences for Treaty #3 people.” This is a significant step forward in addressing health outcomes and lessening the burden of cancer within Treaty #3 communities.

 

Media Contact:
Shelley Skye, Provincial Health Policy Analyst
Grand Council Treaty #3
Email: ahws@treaty3.ca
Phone: 807 464-5572