The experiences of Indigenous people with cancer in Saskatchewan: a patient-oriented qualitative study using a sharing circle

Abstract

I ndigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) in Canada are diagnosed with common cancers at a higher rate, 1-5 are more likely to receive diagnoses at a later stage 6 and have lower survival rates 7,8 relative to non-Indigenous Canadians. Indigenous patients with cancer tend to rely on the connection among family, culture and spirituality 9,10 to cope during their cancer journey. Much of what is currently

Sâkipakâwin: Assessing Indigenous Cancer Supports in Saskatchewan Using a Strength-Based Approach

“…Research has shown that trust and world view are significant aspects of Indigenous experiences in the health care system [ 25 , 26 ], and that Indigenous cancer patients may prefer to incorporate traditional healing and cultural practices in the healing process [ 27 ]. Additionally, other studies have indicated that creating safe spaces to talk about diagnosis was often missing in the cancer support system [ 19 ].…”

“…Although studies in Canada have investigated Indigenous-specific cancer care access [ 29 ], decision-making [ 30 ], epidemiology [ 31 ], and the role of spirituality during the cancer journey [ 28 ], current studies about Indigenous cancer care in Saskatchewan are either outdated or scarce [ 10 , 31 ]. Some research has examined Indigenous cancer patient experiences using sharing circle methods [ 25 , 32 ], or explored cancer care supports from service provider views [ 8 ]. Despite a concerning trend of higher cancer incidence and mortality among Indigenous peoples [ 29 , 33 ], there is limited understanding of cancer support for Indigenous patients during their cancer journey in Saskatchewan.…”

Service providers’ perceptions of support needs for Indigenous cancer patients in Saskatchewan: a needs assessment

“…A limitation of our study is that the support needs were identified by predominantly non-Indigenous service providers and therefore, these needs may not be consistent with the needs proposed by those with lived experience (i.e., Indigenous cancer patients and their families). However, the barriers to care proposed in the current study address are reiterated from previous qualitative research examining the experiences of Indigenous cancer patients in Saskatchewan; for instance, issues with coordinating and up-front costs for medical travel [12], the lack of culturally appropriate accommodations [31], and the absence of information and access to Traditional medicine [32]. The shared perceptions of barriers to cancer care from both Indigenous peoples and service providers highlight that these concerns are relevant to the population utilizing the health care system and those providing care within it.…”

“…To address geographical barriers, the NIHB program and some Métis Nation organizations offer coverage and support for Indigenous patients required to travel [8,11]. However, despite general supports and some Indigenous-specific cancer services, there is evidence of unmet needs for cancer support services for the Indigenous population [9,[12][13][14].…”

“…This research project was guided by an advisory team of Indigenous patient partners, clinicians, academics, and policy makers, whereby the phases were to conduct a scan of the current Indigenous-specific cancer supports in Canada, a sharing circle study with Indigenous people affected by cancer, and a study with service providers to examine perspectives on barriers and supports for Indigenous cancer patients. Separate studies were selected for Indigenous cancer patients and service provider participants to address potential power imbalances between patients and providers and because of the importance of using a culturally-relevant data collection method with Indigenous participants (e.g., sharing circles) [12,15].…”