Gynaecological Cancer Report Released

While the incidence of cervical cancer in Nova Scotia decreased by 52 per cent between 1971 and 2001, Nova Scotia still has the highest rate of cervical cancer in Canada, says a new report released today, Oct. 17, by Cancer Care Nova Scotia. And the number of women getting annual Pap tests still falls well below the target set by medical officials.

The report, A Portrait of Gynaecological Cancer and Cervical Screening in Nova Scotia, was prepared by Cancer Care Nova Scotia's Gynaecological Cancer Screening Program and the Surveillance and Epidemiology Unit.

It includes information on Nova Scotia women diagnosed with gynaecological cancers, the number of new cases each year and patterns of change in the types and number of gynaecological cancers seen over time. Information on mortality, survival and projections for these cancers and cervical cancer screening data from 1993 to 2001 is also included.

Other key findings from the report include:

• Cervical, ovarian and uterine cancers accounted for 94 per cent of all gynaecological cancers diagnosed between 1997 and 2001;
• Seventy-five per cent of all new invasive gynaecological cancers were diagnosed in women over the age of 50 years;
• Between 1997 and 2001, there are geographical variations in the incidence of cervical cancer. In Cape Breton and Victoria counties, the rates exceed the provincial average, while the rate in Kings County is well below the provincial average.
• More than 60 per cent of women had at least one Pap screen in the three-year period between 1999 and 2001. That is still well below the Gynaecological Cancer Screening Program target of 85 per cent.

"We are definitely making progress," said Dr. Rob Grimshaw, medical director, Gynaecological Cancer Screening Program. "Women are living longer with gynaecological cancer because of prevention and early detection initiatives and enhanced treatments. We're working with women, family doctors and other health providers to emphasize that a regular Pap test is the single, most important weapon against cervical cancer - a preventable cancer. Our efforts are being rewarded, but there is still work to be done."

Dr. Grimshaw said other gynaecological cancers are not as easily prevented. However, by collecting, analyzing and monitoring patterns of gynaecological cancer occurrence and outcomes, the medical community is able to better understand the disease and take action.

Statistical data included in the new report helps health professionals understand the relative success of screening and treatment methods and helps develop preventive measures. Health providers and managers also use the information to project and plan for the expected needs of communities. Researchers use the data to generate hypotheses on specific cancer-related problems.

"Data collection and analysis provides us with crucial information to direct our decision making in targeting interventions that will reduce the number of women being diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer, in addition to assisting us in developing the best treatment options possible," said Dr. Andrew Padmos, commissioner, Cancer Care Nova Scotia.

The Gynaecological Cancer Screening Program is dedicated to decreasing the incidence of gynaecological cancer in Nova Scotia. Initial efforts focus on cervical cancer and are aimed at prevention, early detection and appropriate management.

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. It also aims 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.