Cancer screening coach services Indigenous communities

Dr. Amy Montour believes that community is all about family. That’s why she encourages her family, friends and community members to visit the Mobile Cancer Screening Coach for free cancer screening during one if its regular visits their community, Six Nations of the Grand River, and neighbouring Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation.

Dr. Montour works with the Regional Cancer Program as Regional Aboriginal Clinical Lead to support cancer care for Indigenous people across the region. Her work covers cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, recovery and palliative care.

In partnership with the Reclaiming Well-Being: Cancer Free Lives Committee, the Regional Cancer Program brings the Mobile Cancer Screening Coach to Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation territories regularly so that cancer screening is easily accessible to residents.

“Screening can catch signs of cancer early when it’s easier to treat, but we know that Indigenous communities are less likely to get screened,” says Dr. Montour. “As a member of the Reclaiming Well Being Committee, a physician and community member, I highly recommend cancer screening as part of people’s routine medical care.”

Mobile Cancer Screening Coach services

The Coach offers:

• Mammograms through the Ontario Breast Screening Program (for ages 50 to 74)
• Pap tests through the Ontario Cervical Screening Program (for ages 21 to 69)
• Take-home colon cancer screening test through ColonCancerCheck (for ages 50 to 74)
• Support to quit smoking.

The Coach is staffed by a team of Regional Cancer Program registered nurses, medical radiation technologists and a booking clerk and features a state-of-the-art digital mammography suite, private exam room and sitting area. All services are free.

The Regional Cancer Program, Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation have a longstanding history of working together to build trust and provide equitable access to services. The Coach also offers screening in Hamilton and Niagara neighbourhoods with low screening rates.

For more information including the Coach schedule, please visit hnhbscreenforlife.ca People can drop by the Coach at their convenience, or book an appointment by calling 905-975-4467 or 1-855-338-3131.