Cervical Cancer Awareness Week Oct. 21 to 27, is a good opportunity to remind women to take care of themselves by getting a regular Pap test to be screened for cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is caused by persistent infections of cancer-causing types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The test looks for abnormal cells changes which over time could lead to cervical cancer.
“Cervical cancer screening saves lives,” says Dr. Rachael Halligan, Regional Primary Care Lead with the Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program. “Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable with regular screening, timely follow-up of abnormal results and HPV immunization.”
Women between the ages of 21 to 69 who have ever been sexually active should get a Pap test every three years. Cancer Care Ontario helps women stay up-to-date by sending letters to remind them to make an appointment for their next cervical cancer screening.
Even if a woman has been immunized against HPV, she still needs a regular Pap test. The vaccine is effective at protecting against 70 per cent, but not all types of HPV that cause cancer.
“Early detection of cervical cancer is important for a woman’s treatment and recovery,” says Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. Public Health offers free Pap tests for women in Wellington County and Dufferin County who are unable to get an appointment through their physician.”
To book a Pap test at a Public Health office call 1-800-265-7293.
Public Health is mandated by the provincial government to support the well-being of individuals and communities by promoting healthy behaviours, protecting communities from health threats or emergencies, and preventing disease and injury.
Public Health has been operating in Canadian communities for over 100 years.
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health was created in 1967 when local agencies joined together to better serve their communities.
The Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program oversees the delivery and quality of cancer services for residents of Waterloo Region, Wellington County, and the southern portion of Grey County.
It is one of 13 regional cancer programs created by Cancer Care Ontario in 2005 to ensure cancer care is delivered according to province-wide quality standards.
The program includes services provided at Grand River Hospital’s Grand River Regional Cancer Centre, a top-rated cancer centre in Ontario, in partnership with several community hospitals in the region.
For more information contact Chuck Ferguson 519-846-2715 ext. 4614 or chuck.ferguson@wdgpublichealth.ca.
