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Rapport statistique

Cancer in the Métis People of Ontario: Risk Factors and Screening Behaviours

jul 2015
Data Type: Risk Factors
Publication Series:

We have partnered with the Métis Nation of Ontario to publish Cancer in the Métis People of Ontario: Risk Factors and Screening Behaviours. This report addresses the lack of Métis-specific health data in Ontario and enhances our knowledge of the cancer risk factors affecting this at-risk population.

Cancer risk is significantly higher within the Métis population than in the general population of Ontario and disparities continue to exist.

Highlights of the Report

  • Identifies key factors that affect cancer risk in the Métis population in Ontario including: tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, healthy eating, body weight, active living and cancer screening
  • Recommends ways to drive measurable improvements in the health and wellbeing of Métis people in Ontario
  • Demonstrates that the Métis people would benefit from interventions that educate and raise awareness of the broader risk factors for cancer, especially those related to smoking, as well as culturally appropriate programming to support and encourage healthy behaviour and lifestyle changes to reduce cancer risk

We have aligned this report with our Aboriginal Cancer Strategy, which highlights research and surveillance as a strategic priority. This new research will provide Métis people with effective prevention strategies to reduce their cancer risk and will also help inform evidence-based programs.

Risk Factors and Screening: Slideshow

Figure Descriptions

Figure 1: Commercial Tobacco

Smoking commercial tobacco can increase the risk of lung cancer

Figure 2: Commercial Tobacco

Over 1 in 3 Métis adults smoke cigarettes daily or occasionally

Figure 3: Commercial Tobacco

Métis teens are about two times more likely to smoke compared to other teens

Figure 4: Commercial Tobacco

Non-smoking Métis people are more likely to be exposed to second-hand smoke in the home, car and public places compared to other people

Figure 5: Alcohol

Many people do not know that drinking alcohol can cause cancer. Drinking even small amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of many cancers

Figure 6: Alcohol

Cancers related to drinking alcohol: breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon

Figure 7: Alcohol

Métis adults are more likely to binge drink than other adults

Figure 8: Alcohol

Métis adults are two times more likely to both smoke and drink above cancer prevention guidelines compared to other adults

Figure 9: Nutrition

Traditional Métis diets are largely composed of foods grown, harvested and hunted from the land and water and are a healthy choice

Figure 10: Nutrition

An unhealthy diet increases the risk of colorectal cancer

Figure 11: Nutrition

1 in 5 Métis people live in households that are food insecure (i.e. low availability of culturally appropriate food, households worried about running out of food, etc.)

Figure 12: Weight and Physical Activity

Being overweight or obese causes over 2,500 cancers diagnosed in Ontario every year

Figure 13: Weight and Physical Activity

More than 1 in 4 Métis adults are obese

Figure 14: Weight and Physical Activity

About half of Métis people are physically active

Figure 15: Weight and Physical Activity

About 3 in 4 Métis adults spend more than 14 hours per week in front of a screen during free time

Figure 16: Cancer Prevention

  • Stop smoking
  • Limit alcohol use
  • Eat traditional food, fruit, vegetables & whole grains
  • Be physically active

Figure 17: Cancer Screening