Cancer Risks for Métis Individuals

For Métis people in Ontario, most research suggests that cancer risk is significantly higher; however, this may be changing over time. Few cancers have a single known cause. For most cancers there may be a complex mix of several risk factors and sometimes cancer develops in people who don’t have known risk factors. A “risk factor” is any substance or condition that increases the risk of developing cancer.  Examples of risk factors for cancer include: getting older, tobacco smoking, drinking alcohol, healthy eating, body weight, active living and cancer screening. About 4 in 10 cancers cases could be prevented with healthy lifestyle changes. You can reduce your cancer risk by living a healthy, active lifestyle. Determine your personal risk of cancer by visiting mycanceriq.ca and see some ways you can reduce your cancer risk below:

Live Smoke Free:

About 15% of citizens reported smoking on the MNO’s 2024 Health Survey and the single most important thing you can do to reduce your cancer risk is quit smoking. Did you know the MNO offers programs to help citizens quit? Contact tobacco@metisnation.org or 1-800-263-4889 ext. 7 to learn more.

Limit Alcohol:

About 74% of citizens reported drinking alcohol on the MNO’s 2024 Health Survey, and drinking any type or amount of alcohol increases your risk of developing cancer. The less alcohol you drink, the lower your cancer risk. Do you need support reducing or stopping drinking alcohol? The MNO can help through the Mental Health and Addictions program. Contact MHA@metisnation.org or 1-800-263-4889 ext. 7 to learn more.

Have a healthy body weight:

More than one-quarter of Métis adults in Ontario are obese (27 per cent of males and 27 per cent of females). Besides living smoke free, having a healthy body weight is one of the best things you can do to reduce cancer risk. Contact One MNO at ContactUs@metisnation.org or 1-800-263-4889 Ext. 7 to learn about MNO programs that can support health and wellbeing.

Move more, sit less:

Many Métis adults are not getting enough physical activity and this can increase your cancer risk.

Aim for 30 minutes of activity every day and take frequent, short breaks from sitting.

Want to get more activity with your Métis community? The MNO hosts an annual Urban Portage Challenge where you can compete for the most steps with other Métis communities throughout Ontario. Start getting your steps in now so you can contribute to your community winning the challenge. Contact One MNO at ContactUs@metisnation.org or 1-800-263-4889 Ext. 7 to learn more about the challenge and connect with your local community champion.

Find cancer early:

When cancer is found early, it’s often easier to treat. Screening tests can help find cancers.

Métis Ontarians are less likely to be up-to-date with cancer screening tests.

  • Half of Métis women aged 50–74 are in need of a mammogram to screen for breast cancer.
  • Half of Métis adults aged 50–74 are in need of a screening test for colorectal cancer because they have not had a recent fecal occult blood test, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.
  • Métis aged 50–54 are particularly under-screened, with over 60% in need of a test, as are those with the least income.
  • About 19% of Métis women are in need of cervical screening, particularly Métis women with the lowest incomes.

Need a ride to get you to your cancer screening appointment? Reach out to One MNO at ContactUs@metisnation.org or 1-800-263-4889 Ext. 7 to be connected to your local Community Support Services Coordinator.

 

Speak to your health care provider regularly about cancer screening and know when you should be screened for certain cancers. If you do not have a health care provider, you can register for Health Care Connect at 1-800-445-1822.

Click here for more information on cancer risks for the Métis population.