Partnership brings pap tests to Gore Street

NEWS RELEASE

NEIGHBOURHOOD RESOURCE CENTRE

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Cervical cancer can be prevented with regular Pap tests

The Algoma Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, in partnership with The Neighbourhood Resource Centre, has joined together to provide open and easy access to those who will benefit from this safe and simple screening test.

If you are over the age of 21, who are or have ever been sexually active and who have not had a Pap test in the last three years, we encourage you to be screened.

Screening is the only way to detect changes in the cervix that might lead to cancer. It’s one of the best ways to save lives.

The goal of the partnership is twofold; raise awareness about cervical cancer and the importance of the Pap test; and to improve accessibility to a vital test who may not have a health care provider or who face other barriers to cervical cancer screening. 

WHERE:    The Neighbourhood Resource Centre, 138 Gore Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON - 705 942-4717                

WHEN:      Monday June 22, 2015, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.                     

OF NOTE: All are welcome, by appointment only
       
WHO SHOULD BE SCREENED?

Cervical screening is recommended for ages 21 to 69 every three years if they are or have ever been sexually active.

Screening can stop at 70 years of age, who have been regularly screened and have had three or more normal tests in the prior 10 years.

Screening before the age of 21 is more likely to identify transient changes of no clinical significance, which may lead to unnecessary
 treatment.

Based on the latest clinical evidence, cervical cancer screening every three years is effective and minimizes the likelihood of harm.

To find out when you should start screening for cancer, or encourage friends and family to get checked, visit the Time to Screen Tool at: http://www.ontario.ca/screenforlife

WHY GET A PAP TEST?

The Pap test detects cervical cell changes. Those that are caused by persistent HPV infections can slowly (over 10 years or more) lead to cervical cancer if not detected.

Each year in Canada, 400,000 women receive an abnormal Pap test result, 1,300 to 1,500 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and almost 400 women die of this disease.

The good news is that cervical cancer has declined and, since 1995, mortality rates have also decreased.

The main reasons for these reductions are improved knowledge, the widespread regular use of Pap test screening, and the availability of HPV vaccination.

“Joining with The Neighbourhood Resource Centre is one of the ways that our health care providers continue to demonstrate commitment to improving the health of Algoma residents,” says Ali Pettenuzzo, NP Lead.

To learn more about cervical cancer screening in Ontario visit http://www.cancercare.on.ca/cervscreening

For more information, and to schedule an appointment, please call the Algoma Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic at 705-942-4717.

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