All Women Urged to Prevent Cancer with Pap Test

Women of all ages need regular Pap tests. That's the clear and consistent message delivered by Health Minister Jamie Muir and other health care stakeholders today at a news conference launching Pap Test Awareness Week (October 25-31).

"Nova Scotia has one of the highest rates of cervical cancer in the country. But it doesn't have to be that way," said Mr. Muir.
"In almost all cases, this is a disease that can be prevented. The current statistics are alarming."

Only four out of every 10 women in Nova Scotia have a yearly Pap test, a test that could save their life. In Cape Breton that number drops to three of every 10, and the corresponding rates of cervical cancer are higher. With early detection, deaths from cervical cancer can be reduced.

"We understand that women have busy lives and may find it hard to take the time to see their doctor," Muir said. "But we encourage you to find time to care for yourself. Taking responsibility for your health will only serve to help both you and your family, and may prevent a tragedy."

Pap Test Awareness Week, October 25-31, is one of the many initiatives under way to encourage women to be tested.

"Many women find a Pap test embarrassing," said Dr. Rob Grimshaw, Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Gynaecological Cancer Screening Programme. "They are not alone in that feeling, but it's a barrier that must be overcome if the suffering and deaths from cervical cancer are to be reduced."

"Fear of the unknown may have held back some women," said Dr. Louise Cloutier, President of the Medical Society of Nova Scotia. "But now we even have specific Pap test information sheets that answer questions pertaining to the needs of young women, mature women, lesbians and women who partner with other women. We hope this information can be widely distributed and assist those women who may be avoiding a Pap test simply because they lack information about it."

Pap Test Awareness Week is organized by the Nova Scotia Gynaecological Cancer Screening Programme in association with its many partners, including: the Nova Scotia Division of the Canadian Cancer Society, Medical Society of Nova Scotia, the Department of Health, the Victorian Order of Nurses, the Nova Scotia Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists, the QEII Health Sciences Centre 's Colposcopy Clinic, and Planned Parenthood Metro Clinic.

The Screening Programme has created a network of volunteers, including physicians, to encourage Pap testing across the province. The network continues to work with communities to generate widespread awareness of yearly Pap tests.

To become involved in your community during Pap Test Awareness Week, contact the Nova Scotia Gynaecological Cancer Screening Programme at 902-473-7438 in the Halifax area or toll-free at 1- 888-480-8588.

To access Pap Test Fact Sheets for young women, mature women, lesbians and women who partner with women, visit the Medical Society of Nova Scotia web site at www.doctorsns.com on your home computer or at a public library, or call the Screening Programme.