Nearly twenty years following the publication of a cancer strategy recommendation by the Council of Yukon First Nations, the Yukon government is on the brink of finalizing its own plan. This strategy aims to provide support to Yukon First Nations in cancer prevention, control, care, and treatment for patients.
Chief Russel Blackjack of Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation expressed concerns after the recent loss of two community members to cancer. He highlighted the prevalence of cancer-related deaths within the community since 2000 and urged the government to investigate the underlying causes.
Despite having data on cancer incidence rates for the Yukon territory, the Yukon Department of Health and Social Services lacks specific data on cancer cases among Yukon First Nations due to the absence of First Nation identifiers in their records.
Yukon First Nations have long advocated for inclusion in cancer control and data collection efforts. Previous reports have emphasized the need for a comprehensive cancer strategy that includes data collection in First Nation communities. The current collaboration between the Yukon Cancer Care Project team, health and social services workers, and First Nations stakeholders aims to enhance access to cancer care for these communities.
Chief Blackjack raised concerns about potential links between cancer deaths in his community and nearby mining activities and water contamination. However, Dr. Derek Bryant of the Yukon Medical Association highlighted that Indigenous populations face increased cancer risk due to various social, economic, and health disparities.
The Yukon government is expected to release an update on cancer incidence rates in March, coinciding with the potential launch of the long-awaited cancer strategy.
