Cervical and breast cancer screening outcomes among Métis people in Alberta, Canada.

Abstract

Background: Breast and cervical cancer rates among Métis people in Canada are higher than non-Indigenous people but the impact of cancer screening is uncertain. This study investigated breast and cervical cancer screening participation, retention, and follow-up care among age-eligible Métis people living in Alberta compared to their non-Métis counterparts from 2006 to 2022.

Methods: Data from the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta (MNA) Identification Registry were linked to the Alberta Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Programs, and the Alberta Cancer Registry for the years 2006 to 2022. Relative and absolute differences in rates, percentages, and means/medians were calculated between Métis and non-Métis people, including age-eligible females, people with a cervix, and people who have taken gender-affirming hormones for five or more years. Trends were assessed using suitable Joinpoint models.

Results: Métis and non-Métis people had similar breast and cervical cancer screening participation and retention rates. However, the time between abnormal cancer screening results and follow-up tests was longer for Métis people compared to non-Métis people. Métis people had higher proportions of abnormal cytology test results, and more were diagnosed with advanced-stage cervical cancer (p = 0.06) than non-Métis people. There were no differences in breast cancer stage at diagnosis.

Conclusion: Ongoing collaboration between the MNA and Screening Programs will build on evidence from the current study to support cancer screening programs and services for all Métis people in Alberta.