Technical Reference

• Incidence: Ovarian cancer is the 10th most common cancer among women in Alberta, with about 200 women diagnosed in 2015.

Healthier Together - Link

• Survival Rates: The 5-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is approximately 45% in Canada, underscoring the need for early detection to improve outcomes.

Canadian Cancer Society - Link

• Travel for Healthcare: Approximately 18% of First Nations people living off-reserve, 16% of Métis, and 40% of Inuit reported traveling outside their community to access healthcare services, indicating significant access barriers.

Statistics Canada - Link

• Experiences of Discrimination: About 24% of First Nations people living off-reserve, 23% of Inuit, and 18% of Métis reported experiencing unfair treatment, racism, or discrimination from healthcare professionals, which can deter individuals from seeking necessary care.

Statistics Canada - Link

• Health Outcomes: Indigenous Peoples in Alberta experience significantly worse health outcomes compared to non-Indigenous Canadians, with disparities in life expectancy, infant mortality, diabetes, and suicide rates.

Centre for Active Living - Link

• Systemic Barriers: The legacy of the Indian hospital system continues to manifest in contemporary healthcare challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples in Alberta, perpetuating health disparities and inequities.

Nurses Association of Alberta - Link

• Healthcare Costs: Late-stage cancer diagnoses lead to higher treatment costs and resource utilization, emphasizing the economic benefit of early detection programs.

Canadian Cancer Society - Link

• Survival Advantage: Early detection of ovarian cancer significantly improves survival rates, with early-stage diagnosis leading to better treatment outcomes.

Canadian Cancer Society - Link