Grant: Planning and Dissemination Grant - Institute Community Support

For First Nations in Ontario, cancer rates for certain types of cancer are much higher (lung, colorectal, kidney and liver) than the rest of Ontario, while for others it is much lower (female breast, prostate, bladder and melanoma). Higher cancer rates are also common in the United States, New Zealand, Australia and other parts of Canada. The environment First Nations live in may have higher pollution levels or exposures than other people. We are proposing to talk about cancer risks related to radon exposure on Kanehsatake First Nation. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It is released through rock and soil as uranium breaks down. Radon causes lung cancer when levels are higher than recommended. Modern building practices have led to unsafe levels of radon in some houses and buildings. The purpose of this study is to create a partnership with Kanehsatake First Nation. We will help them understand the health risks related to radon. And what can be done to reduce levels of radon in their homes. Our goal is to develop culturally appropriate, evidence-based tools to support community members which can include visual aids, videos or printed material.