BLOOD cancer survival disparities persist for Indigenous populations despite growing global evidence on leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
Blood Cancer Evidence Remains Uneven Globally
A global systematic review has found that Indigenous peoples diagnosed with blood cancer consistently experience poorer survival outcomes than non-Indigenous groups, while major evidence gaps continue to limit understanding of incidence and mortality across many regions.
The review synthesized evidence on leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma among Indigenous populations, drawing on original studies published between 1954 and 2024. In total, 126 articles from 16 countries were included, with nearly half published in the past 15 years. However, the evidence base was heavily concentrated in the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, which together accounted for 90% of reports.
This concentration leaves major gaps in global cancer surveillance. Data from Indigenous peoples in low and middle income regions were scarce, limiting the ability to compare blood cancer patterns across countries and health systems. The findings suggest that the global picture of blood cancer in Indigenous populations remains incomplete, particularly outside high income nations with established registry systems.
Survival Disparities Stand Out
Although heterogeneity across studies limited direct comparisons, survival emerged as the most consistent signal. Indigenous peoples with blood cancer had poorer survival outcomes across the evidence reviewed, reinforcing concerns that inequities extend beyond cancer incidence alone.
The review highlights several possible contributors, including later diagnosis, incomplete recording of Indigenous identity, geographic remoteness, socioeconomic disadvantage, and limited access to culturally safe care. These barriers may be particularly important in hematologic malignancies, where timely specialist referral, prolonged treatment, and access to tertiary services can influence outcomes.
Quality appraisal found that 83% of included studies were rated high or good quality, supporting confidence in the overall finding of poorer survival among Indigenous peoples diagnosed with blood cancer.
Indigenous-Led Research Needed
The findings underscore the need for stronger, disaggregated cancer data and improved recording of Indigenous identity in cancer registries. Without accurate surveillance, inequities in blood cancer incidence, mortality, and survival may remain hidden.
Greater Indigenous leadership in research was also identified as essential to ensure that future studies are culturally appropriate, community led, and aligned with priorities for reducing disparities. Targeted interventions to improve early detection, treatment access, and survivorship support are needed to address persistent inequities in blood cancer outcomes.
Reference
Jetann J et al. Blood cancers in indigenous populations: A global systematic review of incidence, mortality, and survival (1954–2024). Cancer Epidemiology. 2026;103:103141.
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