Pap Tests Best Defence Against Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer does not discriminate. Every woman is at risk, regardless of her race, culture or age. Regular Pap tests can prevent 90 per cent of deaths from cervical cancer, yet 60 per cent of Nova Scotia women are not having them.

These were the messages shared in Amherst today, Oct. 20, during the launch of Pap Test Awareness Week.

"The 60 Nova Scotia women who will be diagnosed with cervical cancer this year are 60 women too many," said Dr. Rob Grimshaw, medical director of Cancer Care Nova Scotia's Gynaecological Cancer Screening Program. "Our goal is to decrease the number of Nova Scotia women being diagnosed with cervical cancer. That's why we continue to work with our partners, with family doctors and other health professionals to support and encourage more women in scheduling regular Pap tests."

Although the number of women having regular Pap tests increases each year, Nova Scotia still has one of the highest rates of cervical cancer in the country. This year, women are being encouraged to make regular Pap testing part of their overall wellness plan.

"Our government is encouraging Nova Scotians to make healthier choices that will help them improve their overall health," said Minister of Health Angus MacIsaac. "Women taking personal responsibility to have annual Pap tests will go a long way to reducing their risks for cervical cancer."

Provincial guidelines recommend that all women 18 years of age and older have annual Pap tests. Women under 18 should also have regular tests if they are sexually active.

"Having regular Pap tests should be a routine part of every woman's health-care program," said Dr. Maria Alexiadis, president of Doctors Nova Scotia. "Almost all cervical cancer is preventable if cell changes are detected early enough. Early detection is possible by having annual Pap tests. The doctors of this province recommend all women get tested regularly. We urge those who are not yet having regular Pap tests to make an appointment with a doctor today. This very important test saves lives."

Each year during Pap Test Awareness Week, Cancer Care Nova Scotia's Gynaecological Cancer Screening Program partners with community groups and organizations, including the Department of Health, Doctors Nova Scotia and the Canadian Cancer Society - Nova Scotia Division, to raise awareness about the benefits of regular Pap tests.

"Research shows us that the earlier we can detect gynaecological 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 women to include a yearly Pap test as part of their health routine."

Over the next two weeks, print, radio and television advertisements will be aired in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. The television advertisement was premiered at today's launch in Amherst.

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.

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.

Doctors Nova Scotia is the professional association that represents more than 3,000 physicians, medical students and residents in the province of Nova Scotia. The association works in partnership with other health-care organizations to enhance the quality of medical care for Nova Scotians. This is achieved through health promotion, development of health-care policies, peer review, medical education and negotiations with government on behalf of physicians.

The Canadian Cancer Society - Nova Scotia Division is a community-based, non-profit organization partnering with communities to overcome cancer and create healthier lives for all Nova Scotians. The society achieves its mission through research, programs that bring help and hope to people affected by cancer, and prevention initiatives that help people reduce their cancer risk.

Individuals looking for information about any aspect of cancer, including cancer prevention, can call the Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333.