July 06, 2022
The Conference Board of Canada says disparities in cancer outcomes are evident among provinces. Cancer mortality rates are lower in the Western provinces and Ont. and higher in Que. and the Atlantic provinces. Other findings include:
- Mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIRs) are lower in Ont., Que. and the Atlantic provinces than in Alta., Man. and Saskatchewan, indicating better cancer mortality outcomes;
- Out of five cancer types examined, lung cancer has the highest mortality rates and MIRs across the provinces. Myeloma has the lowest mortality rates but disproportionately high MIRs, indicating poor survival; and
- Provincial-level socio-demographic, health system access and lifestyle profiles are associated with higher MIRs or worse cancer survival outcomes. The CBoC says these may be important social determinants of health for governments and cancer care systems to address to improve cancer survivorship and reduce provincial variation in cancer mortality.
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