Cancer deaths are on the rise among Manitoba Natives, a leading health expert says.

On some reserves, cancer is already the number one killer. It could soon overtake diabetes as the leading killer of Natives, according to George Wurtak, the director of aboriginal initiatives with the Canadian Cancer Society in Manitoba.

Cancer rates among Natives are still lower than the general population. But Wurtak said poor diet, lack of exercise and smoking have led to an increase in the deadly disease.

The Long Plain First Nation has already seen a rise in lung, breast, prostate, colorectal, uterine and bladder cancer, Wurak said.

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Cancer leading cause of death on some Manitoba First Nations: cancer society (CBC 9/25)

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