Reflecting on what it means for Métis Women
Click here to download the poster.
October is Women’s Cancer Awareness Month in Canada and here at MNO we see this as an important opportunity to devote some special attention to Métis women’s health. The picture is not as we would like it to be. Research indicates that much more needs to be done in the area of cancer prevention for Métis women. Both First Nations and Métis women are not reaching the national target screening rates for mammography use, for example, and cervical cancer rates for Aboriginal women more generally remain disproportionately high.(1)
Over the past several years the MNO has been working closely with its partners on a number of fronts to increase our understanding of cancer in Métis populations and to develop targeted resources and interventions to help reduce cancer rates. This work has included:
- research carried out with the Institute for Evaluative Sciences (ICES) and the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC);
- working with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) to support the development of online tobacco cessation courses for First Nations, Métis and Inuit populations;
- the production of a Métis cancer risk factors report with researchers from Cancer Care Ontario (CCO).
During this month dedicated to raising awareness of women’s breast and cervical health, the MNO is pleased to launch a culturally based poster and brochure designed specifically to support health promotion and cancer prevention activities across the province. These resources represent yet another part of MNO’s broader, ongoing efforts to help reduce cancer rates among Métis families and citizens.
Click here for a downloadable brochure providing on cancer screening
(1) Withrow DR, A. Amartey A, Marrett LD (2014) Cancer risk factors and screening in the off-reserve First Nations, Métis and non-Aboriginal populations of Ontario. Chronic Diseases and Injuries in Canada, Vol 34, No 2-3.