Aboriginal Cancer Strategy III – Media Backgrounder
About Aboriginal Cancer Strategy III
Aboriginal Cancer Strategy (ACS) III is a comprehensive four-year plan developed by Cancer
Care Ontario that will guide how the organization works with partners to improve the
performance of the cancer system for First Nations, Inuit and Métis (FNIM) peoples from 20152019.
Funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the strategy was developed jointly by
key stakeholders, including Aboriginal leadership, healthcare providers, cancer survivors,
Aboriginal health networks and the Joint Ontario Aboriginal Cancer Committee.
Aboriginal Cancer Strategy III is a direct deliverable of the Ontario Cancer Plan IV and supports
the goal of ensuring health equity for all Ontarians. It builds on the progress made since the
launch of the second strategy (2012-2015) and focuses on the same six strategic priorities:
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Build Productive Relationships – Work with Aboriginal groups to formalize
relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
Research and Surveillance – Compile and/or develop data to inform and monitor
progress in programming initiatives.
Prevention – Focus on smoking cessation efforts and begin to address other modifiable
risk factors.
Screening – Increase participation in cancer screening across the province.
Palliative and End of Life Care – Help address the palliative and supportive care needs
of Aboriginal people with cancer.
Education – Increase the knowledge and awareness of cancer through education and
awareness initiatives.
Why do we need an Aboriginal Cancer Strategy?
Ontario’s FNIM peoples face unique health challenges and substantially poorer health outcomes
than the general Ontario population. The rising burden of cancer among Aboriginal peoples has
been attributed, at least in part, to the higher prevalence of several modifiable risk factors such
as smoking, poor diet and obesity.
Focusing risk reduction efforts on the individual is unlikely to have significant and lasting impact
on reducing cancer risk and incidence. There is strong evidence that supporting system-level
initiatives, such as healthy public policy and community programs, are more effective in
reducing the prevalence of modifiable risk factors. These patterns underscore the need for a
cancer strategy to address the unique needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.
2015-2019: Staying the course
As we move forward on this path, Cancer Care Ontario remains committed to improving upon
the progress that has been made since the implementation of ACS II.
Key achievements from 2012-2015 include:
 Signing six relationship protocols with First Nations, Inuit and Métis groups across
Ontario.
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Hiring Regional Aboriginal Cancer Leads and Aboriginal Navigators in ten regional
cancer programs in the province to facilitate and coordinate access to cancer services
for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people with cancer and their families.
Developing new knowledge and information to support the development of culturally
appropriate programs, including reports on cancer risk factors for FNIM communities.
Together we will
Through the development and implementation process of the first two Aboriginal Cancer
Strategies, Cancer Care Ontario has built strong working relationships with FNIM communities.
The Aboriginal Cancer Control Unit at Cancer Care Ontario has also established a strong
network, which includes Regional Cancer Programs. These Regional Cancer Programs are fully
engaged in our strategy and will play a key role in supporting the delivery of the ACS III.
Working together with our valued partners, we will use this plan to reduce the risk of FNIM
peoples developing cancer while improving the quality of life for current and future patients.
For more information and to download a copy of the ACS III, please visit our website.
About us
Cancer Care Ontario - a division of CCO and the Ontario government’s principal cancer advisor
– plays an important role in equipping health professionals, organizations and policy-makers
with the most up-to-date cancer knowledge and tools to prevent cancer and deliver high quality
patient care.
Cancer Care Ontario actively engages people with cancer and their families in the design,
delivery and evaluation of Ontario’s cancer system, and shares CCO’s mission of working
together to improve the performance of Ontario’s cancer system by driving quality,
accountability, innovation and value.
For more information, please contact:
Cancer Care Ontario
Phone: 1.855.460.2646
Email: [email protected]