Launch of video series in Sudbury highlighting cancer screening
Health Sciences North and the Northeast Regional Cancer Program have launched a new video series called 'Conversations about Cancer.'
It's intended for Indigenous people of all ages who want to learn more about what cancer is and why screening can help save lives and improve patient outcomes.
The series includes five videos that educate and address the importance of screening for breast, colorectal, cervical and lung cancer.
The project is the result of community health consultations.
"When I became the regional Indigenous cancer lead, my team and I thought, let's get out in the communities and ask them what they think the barriers are and needs are within the cancer journey," said Dr. Erin Peltier, regional Indigenous cancer lead with the Northeast Regional Cancer Program.
"We went community to community and we found from health directors, from health centre staff that people aren't getting screened."
The videos are available in Cree, Ojibwe, English and French on the HSN website.
"Ojibway and Cree were really important because we want these videos to be accessible to all communities and all ages," said Marnie Anderson, indigenous engagement liaison with the Northeast Regional Cancer Program.
"We also got them closed-captioned for accessibility purposes (and) to be able to read and see at the same time. So it was really important for that piece because we are always trying to make health information accessible."
People involved in the project said there are unique barriers and inequities that prevent some Indigenous people from getting the care and information they need.
"Studies have shown that our people come in late, the cancer has already spread and it's Stage 4," said Peltier.
"The treatments don't work as well at that stage. So the main purpose is to get screened early, catch that cancer early, therefore lessening morbidity and mortality."
Partners in the project said the videos have a strong educational element.
"When you watch, it you're going to learn a lot about cancer screening," said Anderson.
"You are going to learn what ages you should be doing it, you might learn a little about the process. It really tries to remove that fear around cancer screening because often we are scared to do it."
Officials involved in the project said they hope the videos help to alleviate concerns about screening and add it's all about improving health outcomes for Indigenous patients and their families.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Unacceptable': Trudeau reacts after AFN chief says headdress taken from plane cabin
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief said her headdress was taken from an airplane cabin this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident 'unacceptable' and a 'mistake' on the part of Air Canada.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.