A regular Pap test is not just for women who need birth control, a Pap test is for all women who are or ever have been sexually active. Yet according to Joanne Rose, Provincial Director with the Cervical Screening Initiatives Program, “about 50,000 women in Newfoundland and Labrador have not had a Pap test in the last three years.”
A regular Pap test is not just for women who need birth control, a Pap test is for all women who are or ever have been sexually active. Yet according to Joanne Rose, Provincial Director with the Cervical Screening Initiatives Program, “about 50,000 women in Newfoundland and Labrador have not had a Pap test in the last three years.”
This year’s message recognizes that women lead fast paced, active lives with many demands on their time. A simple Pap test can detect cervical cell changes while they are treatable and curable.
The Cervical Screening Initiatives Program is looking at opportunities to remind women to make that important date! Family doctors in the province have joined with the program to encourage Pap screening. Seventy - seven open door clinics have been established to provide opportunities for women in urban and rural communities to be screened.
“Special efforts are underway to get the message out through beauty salons, bingo halls, secondary and post secondary schools,” comments Lori Harnett, Provincial Health Educator with the Cervical Screening Initiatives Program.
Pap screening participation rates for all women in the province remains at 38% in 2008. This varies by region with Central at 34%, Eastern 40%, Western 33% and Labrador/Grenfell at 39%.
In communities where annual screening rates are less than 30%, the program is working with local health care providers to improve screening services.
For women the most important message is: Cervical cancer doesn’t wait - neither should you - Make your appointment today!
For more information contact the provincial coordinating office at 1-866-643-8719.
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For more information,
Please contact:
Heidi Staeben-Simmons
Director of Communications,
Western Health 709-637-5252
