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
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
'I killed four people': Trial hears video evidence of Jeremy Skibicki at Winnipeg trial
“I killed four people,” alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki told two homicide detectives during a recorded interview played as evidence in his trial Wednesday.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.