Cancer SCN Community Strengths grant - Developing tools and resources for patients diagnosed with cancer
Oncology
Delays in cancer diagnosis put rural and newcomer Albertans at risk. This project co-created culturally relevant tools to improve access, understanding, and timely care across the province.
Project Partners
Cancer Strategic Clinical Network™ (Cancer SCN)
Human-Centered Design (HCD) Team
Low German-speaking Health Navigators
Multicultural Health Brokers Co-operative
Alberta International Medical Graduate Association (AIMGA)
Background
In Alberta, newcomer and rural patients often experience significant delays in cancer diagnosis due to language barriers, limited access to healthcare, long travel distances, and unfamiliarity with the Canadian healthcare system. These delays frequently result in later-stage diagnoses, negatively impacting patient outcomes and quality of life. Addressing these disparities is critical to ensuring timely, equitable cancer care for all Albertans.
Aims/Objectives
Identify barriers to timely cancer diagnosis for newcomer and rural populations
Incorporate diverse perspectives and culturally relevant feedback
Co-develop patient-centered, accessible educational and navigation tools
Translate and prepare resources for broader use across Alberta
Support healthcare providers in delivering more inclusive and effective care
Findings/Summary
Through interviews and process mapping with 15 primary care providers, the project uncovered systemic barriers affecting timely cancer diagnosis for newcomer and rural patients. Newcomers often face fragmented care pathways and cultural misunderstandings, while rural residents struggle with logistical, financial, and emotional hurdles. In response, the team co-developed culturally sensitive, step-by-step visual guides, community-specific educational materials, and navigation support tools. These resources were designed with input from key community partners and are tailored to address real-world challenges. Currently, efforts are underway to implement these tools province-wide and translate them into high-priority languages to enhance accessibility and usability.
Conclusions/Outcomes/Impact/Implications
This initiative lays the groundwork for a more equitable and patient-centered cancer diagnosis process in Alberta. By incorporating community voices and cultural insight, the project bridges critical gaps in healthcare access and understanding. The new tools promise to improve diagnostic timelines, reduce disparities, and enhance care for underserved populations, with the potential for long-term systemic improvements.