Gold Apple Collaborative Solutions

CS

Improving Indigenous Cancer Journeys: A Road Map 

BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, BC Cancer (Provincial Health Services Authority), First Nations Health Authority, Métis Nation BC

First Nations people in British Columbia are more at risk for some of the most commonly diagnosed cancers. They are also less likely to survive a cancer diagnosis than non-First Nations people. Recognizing this, BC Cancer, First Nations Health Authority, Métis Nation BC, and the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres set out to develop a truly collaborative strategy that would improve Indigenous cancer outcomes by addressing all steps of the cancer journey, from prevention and treatment, through to survivorship and end-of-life care.

This approach is unique in the province, and the country, with Indigenous communities leading changes in cancer care in keeping with First Nations and Métis priorities.

The end goal of the strategy is cancer services that align with Indigenous priorities resulting in fewer new cases of cancer through healthy living, earlier detection through culturally safe cancer screening programs, culturally safe cancer care and support for Indigenous people, families and communities throughout the entire journey; support for the end-of-life journeys, perspectives and wishes of Indigenous peoples; and that Indigenous cancer journeys are well documented and understood.

For working to establish best practices to provide high-quality, culturally safe cancer care for Indigenous peoples of British Columbia, the Gold Apple Award for Collaborative Solutions has been awarded to the Indigenous Cancer Strategy.

Project Team: BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, BC Cancer (PHSA), First Nations Health Authority, Métis Nation British Columbia

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