A Holistic Approach to Cervical Cancer Prevention & Treatment Among Inuit Communities: Using Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) to Guide the Development of Culturally Competent Care

Canadian Aboriginal women (First Nations, Inuit & Métis) are greatly affected by cervical cancer, with poorer survival rates than non-Aboriginals. This situation is worsened by poverty, inequality, racism, and historical events like residential schools, all of which are known to increase risk for poor health outcomes. For Inuit women living in Canada, this is especially important since not only do they have some of the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HPV, but there is also very little Inuit based information that can help them prevent cervical cancer. Our team of Inuit community members/ organizations and, researchers aim to find a way to develop more culturally competent prevention and treatment strategies through the framework of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ). We feel that this project can help improve health outcomes for Inuit women by helping them achieve better wellness through the incorporation of Inuit beliefs and values.