The experiences of Indigenous people with cancer in Saskatchewan: a patient-oriented qualitative study using a sharing circle

Plain language summary: Considering the differences between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada regarding rates of common cancer, later stage diagnosis and lower survival, we took the opportunity in this patient-oriented study to understand how Indigenous patients experience the health care system. Our specific aim was to understand how trust and world view of Indigenous people affected their personal cancer journey. A patient partner (an Indigenous patient with cancer) led this research with the researchers’ support. After the patient partner recruited 14 participants, a sharing circles protocol was guided by a circle keeper, and the patient partner began by sharing their story. By using sharing circles, a traditional Indigenous practice that provides a safe, culturally appropriate environment to share experiences, we gathered information from patients and their families. We organized the participant stories into themes that reflected their experiences with trust and world view and had these reviewed by another Indigenous cancer survivor. Participants were both trusting and mistrusting of the health care system, which seemed to connect with how well health care providers accepted their world view. Trusting that Indigenous medicine would be protected was also important. Spiritual beliefs, being strong for family and knowing Indigenous survivors were important to participants. Other participants embraced both Indigenous and Western perspectives. Because this patient-oriented study used an Indigenous method, as researchers, we strengthened our ties with Indigenous communities and furthered the dialogue on Indigenous experiences with health care.