Improving Access to Colon Cancer Screening in First Nations Communities

Longstanding barriers to cancer screening have contributed to higher rates of illness and death from colon cancer in many First Nations communities. For Hudson, Ontario resident Norine Van Breda, an Ontario Health, North West Regional Cancer Program and Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority initiative made all the difference.

“I was 59 years old when they discovered I had colon cancer,” she said. “My journey began because Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority was having a campaign for FIT [fecal immunochemical test].”

Addressing Barriers to Screening

Colon cancer screening can find cancer before symptoms appear. When colon cancer is found early, nine out of 10 people can be cured. Screening can also help prevent colon cancer by finding polyps that could turn into cancer. However, for some communities in Ontario – especially rural and remote First Nations communities with unreliable and inconsistent mail delivery – getting a home screening kit has been difficult. In 2023, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) helped address this gap by partnering with the North West Regional Cancer Program, Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority and health care facilities in Sioux Lookout and surrounding communities. Together, they introduced a new approach: making FIT home screening kits available at nursing stations and health centres for distribution directly to eligible people where they live.

Norine’s Story

After Van Breda’s FIT result came back abnormal, further testing confirmed colon cancer. She was referred to a specialist in Thunder Bay and began treatment, which included chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.

Support from family and friends helped her through treatment. Now, she shares her story to inspire healing and hope.

Growing Impact Across Ontario

This community-based approach is already showing positive impact. In the Sioux Lookout and Area, colon cancer screening participation using the FIT kit increased from 8.3% in 2023 to 23% in 2025.

In partnership with regional cancer programs and Indigenous partners, Ontario Health expanded the initiative in 2025 to reach additional communities facing similar barriers. This includes communities in the James Bay and Hudson Bay regions and Treaty #3 Territory, as well as distribution through mobile screening coaches serving the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant and North West areas, as well as the Champlain Screening Outreach Program in the Ottawa area.

This community-based approach is helping improve early detection and support better outcomes.

“People have to start saying it out loud – and say it earlier too,” says Van Breda. “So people can say, hey, let's do this test. If it comes back abnormal, then we'll deal with it. If it comes back normal, then you know, but at least do the test. I’m glad I did the test because the outcome could have been really different.”