Blood cancer survival disparities persist for Indigenous populations despite evidence on leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
A systematic review of studies from 1954 to 2024 reveals that Indigenous peoples consistently experience poorer outcomes compared to non-Indigenous groups. Concentrated evidence mostly arises from the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, highlighting major gaps in global cancer data, particularly in low-income regions.
Survival rates among Indigenous peoples are notably lower due to factors such as late diagnosis, unclear recording of Indigenous identities, geographic isolation, socioeconomic disadvantages, and limited access to culturally appropriate healthcare.
Quality assessments show that 83% of studies were rated high or good quality, reinforcing the need for accurate data and recording in cancer registries. Indigenous leadership in research is crucial to ensure studies align with community priorities to reduce these disparities.