Innovative Community Partnership Underscores Value of Regular Pap Tests

CANCER CARE N.S.--Innovative Community Partnership Underscores Value of Regular Pap Tests

Regular Pap tests prevent about 95 per cent of all cervical cancers, yet only about 40 per cent of Nova Scotia women have regular Pap tests. Cancer Care Nova Scotia and its partners today shared highlights and conclusions of a pilot program designed to address this screening challenge at the launch of Pap Test Awareness Week.

The Eastern Region RN Pap Community Educator Pilot evaluated two community initiatives. In one, specially trained registered nurses provided Pap tests in several rural communities. In the other, community lay educators offered basic cancer prevention education to women in the same communities.

Among its recommendations, the pilot strongly endorses offering women the option of having a registered nurse administer Pap screening services. This will benefit women who, for a variety of reasons, are not now scheduling regular Pap tests.

"We are making progress," said Dr. Rob Grimshaw, medical director, Gynaecological Cancer Screening Program. "Since 1990, Nova Scotia has seen a steady decline in both incidence and mortality of cervical cancer, but the fact remains that one Nova Scotia woman is diagnosed with cervical cancer each week. Through Pap Test Awareness Week and community partnerships like the Eastern Region RN Pap Community Educator Pilot, which embrace a team approach to health care, we are working to address this challenge and decrease the number of Nova Scotia women diagnosed with cervical cancer."

The Eastern Region RN Pap Community Educator Pilot, administered by the Cape Breton Wellness Centre, targeted six rural communities: north of Smokey, Baddeck, Guysborough, Waycobah, Wagmatcook and Strait Richmond. Through Well Woman Clinics, women in these communities had the option of having a Pap test performed by a specially trained registered nurse. They also received information about the importance of regular Pap tests in preventing cervical cancer, breast self-examination and a variety of other issues related to women's health.

"The response from women has been incredibly positive," said Pauline Samson, one of about 30 nurses performing Pap tests in Nova Scotia. "We're reaching out to women who, for a variety of reasons, are not having regular Pap tests. We know we're making a difference because we often see women who have not had a Pap test in eight, 10, 12 or even 14 years."

Cancer Care Nova Scotia will be reviewing recommendations from the pilot, in detail, and will be working with communities across the province to identify partnership opportunities and tailored community solutions to educate women about the value of regular Pap tests and to provide them with options in accessing the services they need.

"By working together we can beat cervical cancer," said Dr. Robert Miller, President, Medical Society of Nova Scotia. "Cervical cancer is almost always preventable if the warning signs are caught early. That is why it is so important for doctors, nurses, peer educators, volunteers, as well as patients to work together to increase Pap testing in this province. This one simple test could save your life."

Pap Test Awareness Week is designed to heighten awareness around the value of regular Pap tests in preventing cervical cancer.

"Research shows us that the earlier we can detect gynecological cancer the greater the likelihood of a positive outcome," said Maureen Summers, executive director of the Canadian Cancer Society Nova Scotia Division. "As supporters of early detection, the Canadian Cancer Society encourages all women to make having a yearly Pap test a part of their health routine."

Led by Cancer Care Nova Scotia's Gynaecological Cancer Screening Program, partners include: the Department of Health, the Medical Society of Nova Scotia, the Canadian Cancer Society Nova Scotia Division, the Cape Breton Wellness Centre and Planned Parenthood.

The Gynaecological Cancer Screening program is dedicated to decreasing the incidence of gynecological cancer in the province of Nova Scotia. Initial efforts focus on cervical cancer through a comprehensive and equitable model in prevention, early detection and appropriate management.

"The Department of Health is constantly looking for significant ways to improve how people receive health care," said Health Minster Jamie Muir. "I congratulate this partnership on their success. This innovative pilot is clearly improving health in their community."

The Pap Test Awareness Week launch took place at the Strait Richmond Hospital in Cleveland, Richmond Co.

NOTE TO EDITORS: The following information describes the partners of the Eastern Region RN Pap Community Educator Pilot, commissioned by Cancer Care Nova Scotia's Gynaecological Cancer Screening Program.

Cancer Care Nova Scotia is a program of the Department of Health, created to reduce the burden of cancer on individuals, families and the health-care system through prevention, screening and research and to lessen the fear of cancer through education and information. Its programs are centred in the community, compassionate to patients, cost-effective and based on sound research.

The Department of Health, through leadership and collaboration works to ensure an appropriate, effective and sustainable health system that promotes, maintains and improves the health of Nova Scotians.

The Medical Society of Nova Scotia is the professional society representing all physicians in the province of Nova Scotia. The society works in partnership with other health-care organizations to enhance the quality of medical care for Nova Scotians. This is achieved through negotiations with government on behalf of physicians, public education, development of health-care policies, and peer review and medical education.

The Canadian Cancer Society -- Nova Scotia Division is a community-based, non-profit organization whose vision is to work together with communities from across the province to overcome cancer and create healthier lives for all Nova Scotians.

The Cape Breton Wellness Centre enables individuals and communities across Cape Breton to increase control over and improve their health. The centre facilitates partnerships and collective activities in promoting community health, fitness and active living and engages in research and education. The centre utilizes the principles of a community development approach.

Planned Parenthood Metro Clinic (PPMC) is a non-profit, charitable organization that promotes sexual and reproductive health within an environment that respects and supports individual choice. PPMC offers comprehensive and accessible sexual health information and services, including pregnancy testing, emergency contraception, affordable birth control, unintended pregnancy counselling, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatments, anonymous HIV testing and pelvic examinations.