News Feature                   For Immediate Release

April 6, 2006

April is Cancer Awareness Month

Women: Take time for health - take time for a Pap test

An early morning meeting, kids’ soccer practice, the dog needs its shots … between career and family obligations a woman’s day is fully booked! And, all too often, there is no time left for personal health. However, taking time for health is essential, and when it comes to cervical cancer prevention, taking time for a Pap test may be critical.

On average, each week, ten women in Ontario are diagnosed with cancer of the cervix –three will die. This statistic from the Cancer Care Ontario’s Cervical Screening Program is even more alarming because with regular pap tests cervical cancer is considered a preventable condition.

Dr. Sara Taman, physician-in-chief , at the University of Toronto Health Services maintains that, “All women who are, or who have ever been, sexually active need to have a Pap test on a regular basis until they’re in their 70s.”  This includes menopausal women, women who are not sexually active, and may apply to women who have had a hysterectomy.

Seventy-four per cent of women in Grey Bruce between 18 and 69 years of age have had a Pap test in the last three years. However, Public Health encourages all women to consult their health care professional about cervical cancer prevention and the Pap test.

For more information about the Pap test and cervical cancer:

·         talk to your doctor, public health nurse, or nurse practitioner

·         learn more at the Ontario Cervical Screening Program website at http://www.cancercare.on.ca/index_cervicalScreening.htm

·         call the Canadian Cancer Society’s Information Specialists at 1-888-939-3333

This article is provided by the Grey Bruce Health Unit and the Ontario Cervical Screening Program. For further information call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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Attachment: Frequently Asked Questions about the Pap test

For more information:

Karen Croker, Public Health Nurse

Chronic Disease Prevention

Grey Bruce Health Unit

(519) 376-9420 ext. 413