Understanding Indigenous peoples experiences to inform recommendations for improving cultural safety and care in radiation therapy centres in Alberta, Canada

Rates of common cancers are continuously increasing among Indigenous peoples and are above the incidence rates of non-Indigenous Canadians. When considering the intersecting social determinants of health such as culture, geography, funding, and access to basic health services, these all contribute to the unique cancer burden faced by Indigenous people. Indigenous patients sometimes feel alienated by the word "cancer", intimidated in the oncology setting and often avoid or delay seeking care, bypass screening and preventative care, and cease prescribed treatment before it is finished. Providing culturally competent, safe care to improve Indigenous health outcomes have been suggested and prioritized in health care systems across Canada.