Métis Peoples and Cancer: A Scoping Review of Literature, Programs, Policies and Educational Material in Canada

Abstract

Much of the existing Indigenous cancer research focuses on First Nation populations or reports on pan-Indigenous data that include First Nations, Métis, and Inuit metrics together, which fails to capture the distinct lived realities, experiences of colonialism, and culture of each Indigenous group. The purpose of this scoping review was to summarize existing knowledge on cancer among Métis peoples in Canada, offering direction to researchers, institutions, and policymakers for future actions that enhance Métis-specific cancer surveillance and cancer care. We searched Embase, Medline, iPortal, and Proquest Theses and Dissertations databases, Google Scholar and Google, alongside ten websites relevant to cancer and Métis peoples. Two reviewers gathered 571 records. After screening, 77 records were included. Data show that Métis peoples experience higher behavioral risk factors, lower screening participation, higher cancer incidence for some cancers, and higher mortality rates compared to the non-Indigenous population. Existing research is piece-meal and researchers emphasize that there is inadequate Métis-specific cancer data. There is a need for targeted, Peoples-specific cancer control interventions to reduce these health inequities and a coordinated, Peoples-specific approach to cancer research. These efforts must involve collaboration among Métis Nations and organizations, provincial governments and agencies, researchers, and policymakers.