Cancer screening discrepancies among Black people in Canada: a scoping review

Cancer is a major cause of death in Canada, and Black people in Canada experience notable disparities in screening. This scoping review summarises existing evidence on cancer screening among Black people in Canada and identifies key barriers, facilitators, and implications for policy and practice. The review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage scoping review framework and adhered to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. We conducted a systematic search of Sociological Abstracts, SocINDEX, PsychINFO, Embase, Social Science Citation Index, Social Work Abstracts, CINAHL, Scopus, Gender Studies Database, PubMed, ProQuest, and Web of Science. Articles were included if they focused on cancer screening among Black people in Canada, excluding literature reviews and grey literature. Data extraction covered study characteristics, screening methods, rates, and identified barriers and facilitators. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria, with a geographical concentration in Ontario (11 studies), followed by Nova Scotia (3), Alberta (2), and Quebec (1). The studies predominantly addressed cervical (58%) and breast cancer (26%), utilizing cross-sectional and retrospective cohort designs. Key barriers to screening included socioeconomic constraints, cultural stigmas, and structural racism within the healthcare system. Recommended interventions included culturally sensitive education, patient navigation services, and advanced screening technologies. Significant disparities in cancer screening rates persist among Black people in Canada due to systemic, cultural, and socioeconomic barriers. Tailored interventions and equitable policies are needed to improve access and participation in screening services. Future research should prioritise longitudinal studies and incorporate comprehensive socioeconomic and cultural data to better inform strategies that support early detection and reduce cancer-related mortality.