The Government of Northwest Territories has released a technical report on Cancer in the Northwest Territories from 2011 to 2022. The report provides a territorial overview of cancer diagnoses, cancer-related deaths, and cancer screening trends over this 11 year period. The report compares NWT data with national information where possible.

Key findings include:

• An average of 164 invasive cancer diagnoses each year between 2011 and 2022
• After accounting for population age, overall cancer rates in the NWT remained relatively stable over time and were generally similar to the rest of Canada.
• Cancer incidence rates were higher in regional centres and smaller communities compared to Yellowknife.
• Lung and bronchus cancer was the leading cause of cancer-related deaths..
• Breast and colorectal cancers were the most commonly diagnosed cancers. Colorectal cancer accounted for a higher proportion of cases among Indigenous populations and in smaller communities.

The report is intended to support health planning and increased public understanding of cancer in the NWT. Residents are encouraged to speak with their health care provider about cancer screening programs available in the territory.   

Link to the report:

https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/content/cancer-northwest-territories-technical-report

For media requests, please contact:

Andrew Wind

Manager, Communications 

Health and Social Services

Government of the Northwest Territories

HSSmedia@gov.nt.ca