During a press conference for the FSIN, Dr. Cornelius Spies (back) talks about their continued partnership for cervical cancer care. (Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations/Facebook)

By paNOW Staff

CERVICAL CANCER

FSIN continue partnership for cervical cancer screening in the North

Jun 13, 2023 | 5:00 PM

First Nations leaders say they will continue a partnership aimed at improving education and treatment options for cervical cancer in northern Saskatchewan communities.

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) recently announced it is continuing a partnership with two doctors and the Cancer Society of Canada to help create an action plan for northern communities. This plan hopes to enhance the accessibility of services for prevention, treatment, and education surrounding cervical cancer.

“For Northern First Nation women, obtaining cervical cancer screening has many challenges, including but not limited to a lack of access to healthcare providers, a deep distrust in the healthcare system due to the historical trauma of residential schools and colonialism, and a lack of awareness around the importance of screening to prevent cervical cancer,” the FSIN said in a release.

Dr. Cornelius Spies is one of the doctors behind the partnership and said that only 19 per cent of northern First Nation women screen for cancer. Early detection of the HPV virus increases the chances of receiving the appropriate treatment.

According to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, cervical cancer screening, a Pap test, should start at age 21 or three years after the first intimate sexual activity. Screening must also be done every two years until three consecutive normal results, which then extend to every three years.

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The agency said that about 90,000 people in Saskatchewan are having these tests.

A vaccine is also available for HPV and the FSIN said that if administered to young adults in the North, can establish a population-wide immunity, reducing and ultimately eliminating the cancer.