Check Against Delivery

Mr. Speaker, we all want better health for our families and communities.  The choices we make are important for our overall health and well-being.  By eating good food, being physically active, reducing the amount of alcohol we drink, living tobacco free, and making healthy choices, we can help reduce the risk of getting chronic diseases like cancer.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada, and it is important that we talk about it.  Over the past few decades, we have learned more about cancer, which is resulting in more people surviving cancer than ever before.  This is why it is important to observe cancer awareness months.

Mr. Speaker, this month is Colorectal Awareness Month, and it is dedicated to raising awareness about colorectal cancer and honouring those who have been affected by this disease.  Colorectal cancer is preventable and treatable, yet here in the Northwest Territories, the incidence of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer is twice the rate than in the rest of Canada.  Many people are unaware that they can reduce the risk of getting it with timely screening and healthy lifestyles.

Mr. Speaker, the best protection we have against colorectal cancer is early detection. Taking a Fecal Immunochemical Test, or FIT test, is the easiest way for NWT residents to learn if they are at risk of colorectal cancer.  In an effort to improve screening and early detection, a “one and done” FIT screening method was introduced in 2018.  This approach makes it easier for people to collect a sample at home and return it to their healthcare provider.  The FIT test, which you can easily do at home, is recommended for residents aged 50 to 74 and should be completed at least every two years.
To increase screening rates for colorectal cancer in our territory, Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority just launched a pilot project in February to mail FIT screening kits to eligible residents.  The pilot project focuses on the Beaufort-Delta Region.  If this approach is successful it will be expanded across the territory.  Our aim is to increase our participation screening rate to meet the national goal of 60%.

Mr. Speaker, we have also distributed Community Cancer Awareness kits to community health representatives.  Health care staff can use these comprehensive kits in their communities to raise awareness and have conversations with residents about the importance of early screening and healthy living.

In February, the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority also launched two educational cancer videos.  Part of a seven part series, these videos aim to help residents better understand cancer and the importance of screening in the NWT.  These videos were created in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Services and the University of Alberta’s Indigenous and Global Health Research group.  The videos were developed through community consultations in the NWT and incorporated feedback from community members in Fort Good Hope, Inuvik, and Yellowknife.  Residents can view them on the cancernwt.ca website.  The videos were also distributed to local health centres for use, and will be promoted on social media.

While it is important to improve screening rates and to communicate directly about cancer with NWT residents, it is also critical that we support those patients who are battling cancer right now.  We know that the emotional and physical effects of cancer can make it difficult for cancer patients to process information.  To help support patients and their families, the NWT Health Authority has hired and trained two full-time cancer Nurse Navigators.  The Nurse Navigators are specially trained to help patients and their families throughout their cancer journey.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I want to encourage all residents, particularly those aged 50 to 74, to speak to their health care providers about getting screened.  Let us work together to promote healthy living, reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and other cancers, and support those who are living with it.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.