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06/02: BC Cancer Agency expands Pap Awareness Week to the Fraser Valley
Improving women’s access to cervical cancer screening at their local clinics
To improve women’s access to cervical cancer screening, the BC Cancer Agency, in partnership with local clinics, is expanding its Pap Awareness Week campaign across the province for the first time. From June 8 to 13, women living in the Fraser Valley region can walk into a participating clinic to get a Pap test without making an appointment.
“We understand that a number of factors – from not having a family physician to challenges scheduling medical appointments around various commitments – could influence a woman’s decision to get regular Pap tests,” says Dr. Kathy Ceballos, acting Medical Leader for the BC Cancer Agency’s Cervical Cancer Screening Program (CCSP). “Our goal with Pap Awareness Week is to make it easy for women to access cervical cancer screening by simply dropping in at participating local clinics.”
The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, piloted Pap Awareness Week last year in the Lower Mainland, where more than 100 women had a Pap test at 12 partner clinics. Seventy-two percent of the women were either overdue for a Pap test or had never had one in the province. Building on last year’s success, Pap Awareness Week will be offered at almost 100 clinics across the province this year, including 16 clinics in the Fraser Valley region.
“Regular screening with a Pap test provides the best protection against cervical cancer,” says Janice Walsh, nurse supervisor, Mission’s Options for Sexual Health clinic – a participating clinic in Pap Awareness Week. “As a nurse, I find it’s a great opportunity to have discussions with women coming in for a Pap test about optimal reproductive health.”
As part of Pap Awareness Week, the BC Cancer Agency is launching an advertising campaign targeted at young women in their 20s, an age group with a participation rate in the CCSP around 10 per cent below the overall rate for B.C.
“We’re using thought-provoking, yet humourous images to remind young women that Pap tests save lives,” says Dr. Ceballos. “Our campaign’s message is ‘the world needs women.’ We’re telling young women that they’re important, we need them, and they should get a Pap test.”
The campaign includes:
• posters in washrooms and change rooms frequented by young B.C. women
• online ads on websites popular among young B.C. women
• ads in various locations, including movie theatres, transit buses, women’s fitness facilities and drug stores
Regular Pap tests can find changes in the cells of the cervix before they become cancerous. Treatment of abnormal cells can prevent cancer from developing. Women who have been sexually active (touching or intercourse) should be screened regularly to prevent cervical cancer.
To find a nearby clinic, visit the BC Cancer Agency website at www.bccancer.bc.ca/paps or call 604.8787.6192 or toll-free 1.877.979.7727.
Cervical cancer screening with a Pap test is available all year round at doctors’ offices and clinics throughout B.C. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. can help women find a family physician. Women can also visit the BC Cancer Agency’s website at www.bccancer.bc.ca/cervicalscreening to find a nearby clinic.
Established in 1949, the BC Cancer Agency’s Cervical Cancer Screening Program was the first organized population-based program in the world to screen for cervical cancer. Over time, the CCSP has succeeded in reducing incidence rates from cervical cancer by more than 70 per cent.
The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. The BC Cancer Foundation raises funds to support research and enhancements to patient care at the BC Cancer Agency.
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For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Jinny Wu
Communications Specialist
BC Cancer Agency
Tel: 604.877.6272
Pgr: 604.806.2338
Toll-free: 1.800.663.3333, ex 6272
jwu2@bccancer.bc.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Clinics in the Fraser Valley region participating in Pap Awareness Week from June 8 - 13, 2009:
Abbotsford
Abbotsford Options for Sexual Health
Health Unit
104 - 34194 Marshall Road
June 10
7 - 9 pm
Agassiz
Agassiz Community Health Clinic
7040 Cheam Avenue
June 8 - 13
9 am - noon
Burnaby
Burnaby Youth Clinic
15 - 250 Willingdon Avenue
June 8, 9 & 11
1 - 5 pm
For youth up to age 25 only.
Crest Medical Clinic
8695 - 10th Avenue
June 10
8:15 - 11:30 am
Highgate Medical Clinic
103 - 7188 Kingsway
June 8 & 9
10 am - 3 pm
Metrotown Medical Clinic
201 - 6411 Nelson Avenue
June 9 & 10
1 - 5 pm
Chilliwack
Doctor's Office
9146 Mary Street
June 8
1:30 - 6:30 pm
Delta
North Delta Options for Sexual Health
North Delta Boundary Health Unit
11245 - 84th Avenue
June 11
6:30 - 8:30 pm
South Delta Options for Sexual Health
Health Unit
4470 Clarence Taylor Crescent
June 11
7 - 9 pm
Maple Ridge
Iron Horse Options for Sexual Health
Greg Moore Centre
11925 Haney Place
June 9
4 - 7 pm
Mission
Mission Options for Sexual Health
Health Unit
32618 Logan Avenue
June 9
5 - 7 pm
New Westminster
Boucher Naturopathic Medical Clinic
320 - 435 Columbia Street
June 8, 8 am - 8 pm
June 9, 5 - 9 pm
June 10, 4:30 - 8:30 pm
June 11, 8 am - 8 pm
June 12, 9 am - 4 pm
June 13, 9 am - 1 pm
Walk-ins as space permits, or call 604-540-2873.
New Westminster Options for Sexual Health
Public Health Unit
537 Carnarvon Street
June 10
7 - 9 pm
Surrey
Central City Medical Clinic
10153 King George Hwy
June 8, 10, 11, 13
9 am - noon
Please bring a list of your medications.
Gateway Public Health Clinic
13401 - 108th Avenue
13th Floor, Station Tower
June 8 & 9
9 am - noon
Surrey North Community Health Centre
10697 - 135A Street
June 8
9:30 am - 6 pm
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