“Cervical cancer screening saves lives,” says Dr. Rachael Halligan, regional primary care lead with the Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program (WWRCP). “Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable with regular screening, timely follow-up of abnormal results, and HPV immunization.”
WWRCP and local public health officials are reminding women to get a regular Pap test to be screened for cervical cancer, which is caused by persistent infections of cancer-causing types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The test looks for abnormal cell changes which, over time, could lead to cervical cancer.
In Waterloo Region and Wellington County between 2009 and 2011, 67 per cent of eligible women between 20 and 69 years old were screened with a Pap test.
“Our goal is to ensure that all eligible women are getting screened,” says Dr. Halligan. “If 100% of this population were screened, then we could prevent deaths resulting from cervical cancer.”
Women between the ages of 21 to 69 who have ever been sexually active should get a Pap test every three years. Beginning this year, 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%, but not all types of HPV that cause cancer.
Katherine Dowd of Guelph is relieved that there is now an HPV vaccine available so that her 17-year-old daughter and others are better protected and will hopefully never go through what she personally experienced back in 1994. In preparation before having a second baby at age 34, Dowd’s doctor recommended a routine Pap test. The results showed severe dysplasia (pre-cancerous cells) which was very frightening for her.
“I was dealing with another health issue at the time and missed some routine Pap tests, and the last thing on my mind was to have a physical and Pap test then,” says Dowd. “I’m so thankful that the Pap test picked up the changes just in time and that I had access to the necessary follow up treatment and monitoring.”
“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 who are unable to get an appointment through their physician.”
To book a Pap test at a local Public Health office call 1-800-265-7293. For more information, visit www.wdgpublichealth.ca.
