How to protect your cervix

NEWS RELEASE

ALGOMA NURSE PRACTITIONER-LED CLINIC

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Cervical cancer can be prevented with regular Pap tests.

That’s the message of the Pap Test Campaign, October 26 to 30 in recognition of Cervical Cancer Awareness.  

The Algoma Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic has joined the campaign to provide open and easy access to anyone who will benefit from this safe and simple screening test.

Anyone with a cervix over the age of 21, who is or has been sexually active and who have not had a Pap test in the last three years is encouraged 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 campaign is twofold; raise awareness about cervical cancer and the importance of the Pap test; and to improve accessibility to a vital test for those who may not have a health care provider or who face other barriers to cervical cancer screening. 

Pap Test Campaign Dates

Algoma Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, 443 Northern Avenue (705 942-4717)        

Monday, October 26, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.                     

Tuesday, October 27, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wednesday, October 28, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.    

Friday, October 30, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.    

WHO SHOULD BE SCREENED?

Cervical screening is recommended for anyone with a cervix who is age 21 to 69 every three years if they are or have ever been sexually active.

Screening can stop at 70 years of age in those 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.

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 (Federation of Medical Women of Canada, 2014).

“This is our clinic’s 4th year of participation in the Cervical Cancer Awareness Campaign.  Holding this public Pap test clinic is our way of helping members of our community access a service that is fundamental to their health and that can help prevent cervical cancer.  This is one of the ways that our health care providers continue to demonstrate commitment to improving the health of Algoma residents” said Ali Pettenuzzo, Nurse Practitioner.

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