Post-breast cancer diagnosis screening mammography among First Nations and non-First Nations women in Ontario : A retrospective cohort study.

Authors

Garima Saini, Lisa K Ellison, Anna M Chiarelli, Alethea Kewayosh, Amanda J Sheppard

Published in

Canadian journal of public health = Revue canadienne de sante publique. Oct 27, 2026. Epub Oct 27, 2026.

Abstract

First Nations women in Canada have historically experienced lower breast cancer screening participation and worse outcomes than non-First Nations women. While most research has focused on pre-diagnosis screening, less is known about follow-up care. This study examined post-diagnosis mammography use among First Nations and non-First Nations women in Ontario and identified factors associated with follow-up screening among First Nations women.
This retrospective cohort study included 190 First Nations and 506 non-First Nations women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 1995 and 2004, with follow-up screening data available through 2019. Descriptive statistics compared demographic, clinical, and treatment characteristics. Logistic regression models were used among First Nations women to identify factors associated with follow-up screening.
No statistically significant differences were observed in the unadjusted comparisons of post-treatment screening rates, frequency, timing, and intervals between First Nations and non-First Nations women. Among First Nations women, older age (OR = 0.42; 95% CI, 0.19-0.94), rural residence (OR = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.17-0.73), and lower income (OR = 0.20; 95% CI, 0.06-0.69) were among the factors associated with reduced screening. Radiotherapy (OR = 7.48; 95% CI, 3.38-16.56) and less severe surgery (OR = 7.19; 95% CI, 3.31-15.63) were associated with higher odds of screening.
While screening rates among First Nations women are improving, disparities persist. Strengthening continuity of care, primary care access, and culturally safe survivorship support is essential to achieving equity.

PMID:
42944827
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 28 Oct 2026.

Read full publication at:
Please sign in to see all details.

Stats

1-terrible, 9-excellent. How would you rate this publication? Sign in in to submit your rating.

Post a comment

You need to be signed in to post comments. You can sign in here.

Comments

There are no comments yet.