The global health equity community is buzzing over today’s publication of new guidelines comprising 16 preventive care recommendations that have been introduced to address health equity concerns for individuals who face disadvantages due to racism, sexism, and various other forms of discrimination in Canada. The guidelines, a collaborative effort involving a diverse team of clinicians from across Canada and patient input, are featured in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ).
Preventive care encompasses activities like cancer and heart disease screening, tuberculosis testing, self-testing for diseases like HIV, and early intervention practices to detect health issues before they escalate. However, numerous barriers hinder access to preventive care, particularly for marginalized groups, including Indigenous communities, racialized individuals, those with disabilities, low-income individuals, and others who experience various states of disadvantage.
The guidelines offer several screening and preventive care recommendations for primary care and one policy recommendation centered on government support for enhanced health equity. Key suggestions include initiating colorectal cancer screenings at age 45, offering self-testing for cervical cancer, using blood tests for tuberculosis screening, and screening for depression with appropriate support.
Additionally, the authors recommend removing cost barriers associated with preventive care, such as colorectal cancer screening preparations, HPV tests, tuberculosis tests, and out-of-pocket health expenses.
The guidelines also underscore the importance of government funding to facilitate equitable implementation, emphasizing the necessity for long-overdue changes, such as publicly funding tuberculosis testing and investing in ensuring very broad access to primary care.
