First Nations Voice

DECEMBER 2012 • PAGE 10 & wellness ABORIGINAL health BY MARTIN ZEILIG CANCER CONCERNS ing cancer awareness, prevention, and screening participation rates, as well as reducing smoking rates and the number of late stage diagnoses among First Na- tions, Metis and Inuit populations, ac- cording to its website. "By effectively addressing it (cancer concerns) in ways that resonate with First Nations, Metis and Inuit people, we can improve the quality of care," Leary said during an interview with FNV. "Developing community partnerships cancer (which is understandable), but there need not be, at least in this day and age, especially with the programs and treatments that are available, says Kali Leary, Director of Development, First Nations, Metis and Inuit Cancer Control CancerCare Manitoba. Her unit is committed to increas- There is a lot of fear associated with cer to your first treatment to 60 days. As a part of this large project, First Nations, Metis and Inuit Cancer Control is working with and across multiple ju- risdictions to build community capacity, improve cancer knowledge and improve access to cancer services among popu- lations who encounter extensive barri- ers to cancer care, including those with unique language, cultural and access needs, Leary observed. She pointed out that displays were set is vital and we have been working hard to build sustainable relationships based on respect and trust. We've been on the phone and on the road and this summer; unit members traveled north and south listening to experiences and concerns communities have about cancer." Last June the province announced up in seven communities - Swan Lake First Nation, in Killarney for MetisFest, Norway House Cree Nation, Long Plain First Nation, in Split Lake for the 2012 National Cree Gathering, Opaskwayak Cree Nation and Roseau River Anishin- abe First Nation – to share information about cancer prevention and services available to patients and families. "The good news is that many can- cers are preventable, and that cancer is a treatable disease – particularly when the cancer is found early," Leary em- phasized. People from around the province can the Transforming the Cancer Patient Journey Initiative, a project that spans all regional health authorities, service providers and organizations and aims to reduce the wait from suspicion of can- contact the unit by calling toll free 1-855- 881-4395 or email changingthepath@ cancercare.mb.ca . Arrangements can also be made to use MB TeleHealth – a videoconferencing system that allows people to meet face to face despite the distance between them.

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