Pap tests save lives

NEWS RELEASE

ALGOMA NURSE PRACITIONER-LED CLINIC

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North East Pap test campaign - get a PAP test!

Cervical cancer can be prevented with regular Pap tests! That’s the message of the North East Pap Test Campaign, October 20 to 24 in recognition of Cervical Cancer Awareness Week.  

The Algoma Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, in partnership with Federation of Medical Women in Canada, has joined the campaign to provide open and easy access to women who will benefit from this safe and simple screening test.

All women 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 are 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 women who may not have a health care provider or who face other barriers to cervical cancer screening. 

WHERE:    

Algoma Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic    
443 Northern Avenue                
Sault Ste. Marie, ON                    
705 942-4717                

WHEN:        

Monday, October 20 from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.                     

Tuesday, October 22 from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Wednesday, October 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Thursday, October 24 from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

OF NOTE:  All women are welcome, by appointment or drop-in

WHO SHOULD BE SCREENED?

Cervical screening is recommended for women 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 women who have been regularly screened and have had three or more normal tests in the prior 10 years.

Screening women 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.

“This is the third year that we are holding a Pap test clinic in Sault Ste. Marie. This 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.

Women in North East Ontario are encouraged to contact a registered clinic in their community and Get a Pap test! – A quick and reliable way to help women prevent cervical cancer.

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

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