Regular Pap Tests Remain Important for all Women

Cervical cancer kills about 20 Nova Scotia women each year even though regular Pap tests can prevent 90 per cent of these deaths.

"As a cancer specialist, there is nothing more difficult than losing a patient to cancer," said Dr. Robert Grimshaw, medical director, Cancer Care Nova Scotia's Gynaecological Cancer Screening Program. "Losing a patient to cervical cancer is particularly tragic, because in most cases these deaths could have been prevented."

Dr. Grimshaw said while research regarding an experimental vaccine to prevent cervical cancer is both welcome and promising, regular Pap tests are still the "gold standard" of care.

"Any research leading to a better understanding of cancer is exciting, including early indications of success with this vaccine. However, it is early days and there are many unanswered questions. Regular Pap tests are still a woman's best protection against cervical cancer. Our challenge is to mobilize women of all race, culture and ages and have them act against cervical cancer by scheduling a regular Pap test," Dr. Grimshaw said today, Oct. 19, in Truro during the launch of Pap Test Awareness Week, Oct. 23 to 29.

"In the past year we have experienced an increase in the number of women receiving Pap screening and we hope to see these numbers increase even further with the creation of our new women's health initiative," said Peter MacKinnon, CEO for Colchester East Hants Health Authority.

The health authority recently launched new women's health clinics that provide an alternative care setting for women seeking pap screening or wishing to discuss women's health issues. The clinics are staffed by four registered nurses, all of whom are specially trained to perform Pap tests.

Cancer Care Nova Scotia's screening program is working with various groups and communities across the province, including African Nova Scotians, immigrants and First Nations, to improve access to both information and services for all women. Programs include lay education, curriculum resources for junior high teachers, and information sessions with youth-based health centres. To make Pap testing more accessible for all women, nurses are being trained to perform Pap tests in well women's clinics and in First Nations' communities throughout Nova Scotia.

"Although many Nova Scotia women are having regular Pap tests, this province still has one of the highest rates of cervical cancer in the country," said Health Minister Angus MacIsaac. "I encourage all women to make a regular Pap test a priority in their lives."

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

"Pap tests help prevent cervical cancer and save lives," said Dr. Rhonda Church, Doctors Nova Scotia president-elect. "Every woman needs to make Pap tests a regular part of her health-care routine. Make an appointment with your doctor today."

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, the Canadian Cancer Society - Nova Scotia Division, and the Nova Scotia College of Laboratory Technologists, to raise awareness about the benefits of regular Pap tests.

"Research clearly indicates that in many cases, the earlier we can detect cancer, the greater likelihood the chances are of successful treatment -- this includes cervical cancer," said Maureen Summers, executive director, Canadian Cancer Society - Nova Scotia Division. "Prevention is key when you consider that at least 50 per cent of cancers can be prevented through healthy living and policies that protect the public."

Over the next two weeks, Pap test information will be shared with women throughout Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island through print, radio and television advertisements.

Cancer Care Nova Scotia's Gynaecological Cancer Screening Program is dedicated to reducing the incidence of cervical cancer in Nova Scotia. Strategies are aimed at educating women about the importance of regular Pap tests, and putting measures in place to support women taking appropriate action.

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 community-centred, 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. The association works with other health-care organizations to enhance the quality of medical care for Nova Scotians through health promotion, development of health-care policies, medical education and negotiations with government on behalf of its members.

The Canadian Cancer Society - Nova Scotia Division, is a community-based, non-profit organization that partners 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.