BR Indigenous Cancer – CP

Source: The Canadian Press – Broadcast wire
Dec 13, 2017 2:30

VANCOUVER – A First Nations’ advocate says systemic racism is stopping Indigenous cancer patients from seeking medical care and delaying diagnosis.

Annette Morgan of the B-C Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres says health-care workers need to change their behaviour and make services safe so Indigenous people don’t avoid getting treatment.

Morgan’s organization is one of three that provided First Nations’ perspective as part of a new strategy aimed at helped Indigenous people in B-C fight and prevent cancer.

A recent study by the B-C Cancer Agency suggested Indigenous people in the province have an overall lower rate of most cancers but are more likely to die from the disease.

Health Minister Adrian Dix says developing relationships between Indigenous communities and the health-care system will be key to prevention, such as a healthy diet, and ongoing care.

B-C is the second jurisdiction in the country to provide an Indigenous cancer strategy after Ontario, and the programs are in keeping with recommendations by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

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(The Canadian Press)

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