Indigenous cancer screening champion

Mark Sault is a respected role model in his community, Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation near Hagersville.

His leadership roles include promoting free cancer screening services on the Mobile Cancer Screening Coach, which makes regular visits to Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation and neighbouring Six Nations of the Grand River.

The Mobile Cancer Screening Coach offers:

• Take-home colon cancer screening test through ColonCancerCheck (for ages 50 to 74, every 2 years)
• Mammograms through the Ontario Breast Screening Program (for ages 50 to 74, every 2 years)
• Pap tests through the Ontario Cervical Screening Program (for ages 21 to 69, every 3 years)
• Support to quit smoking.

Mark knows the importance of early detection, which is why he participates in colon cancer screening by completing the take home test for colon cancer. He knows that if it comes back positive, the next step is a colonoscopy for a closer look. This test is also available through healthcare providers, such as family doctors and nurse practitioners.

“I wouldn’t wish cancer on anyone.”

“If you can prevent getting colon cancer, why not take the test?” said Mark, a prostate cancer survivor.

“I wouldn’t wish cancer on anyone.”

Colon cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Ontario and the second most common cause of cancer deaths. Screening is important because when caught early enough, 90 per cent of people with colon cancer can be cured. Once colon cancer spreads to other parts of the body it’s much more difficult to treat.

The Mobile 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. The Regional Cancer Program works with partner hospitals across the region including HHS.

Screening tests can catch signs of cancer early when it’s easier to treat. The Regional Cancer Program, Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation and Six Nations of the Grand River have a longstanding history of working together to build trust and provide equitable access to services.

For more information on cancer screening and the Mobile Coach, including its schedule, please visit hnhbscreenforlife.ca.