Improving access to cervical cancer screening at local clinics for women in the north

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 May 25 to 30, women living in several Northern B.C. communities 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 13 clinics in northern B.C.

“Regular Pap tests are truly a screening tool. They detect changes in the cervical cells before a woman gets cancer,” Lynda Anderson, a Womens' Health and Wellness program coordinator with Northern Health. “Having regular reproductive health screening gives women the power to take control of their health. No woman looks forward to the Pap test, but we need to remember that it can save lives.”

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:

Sonya Kruger
Communications Specialist
BC Cancer Agency

Tel: 604.877.6000 local 2326
SKruger@bccancer.bc.ca

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 Northern B.C. participating in Pap Awareness Week from May 25 – 30, 2009:

Fort St. James

Fort St. James Medical Clinic
270 E Stuart Drive
May 25 - 28
10 am - noon

Northern Interior Health Unit
121 - 230 Stuart Drive
May 25, 26, 28, 29
9 am - 3 pm

Fort St. John

ABC Medical Clinic
9842 - 101 Avenue
May 28
9 - 11 am, 1 - 3:30 pm

Fort St. John Medical Clinic
10011 - 96th Street
May 25 - 29
9 am - noon, 1 - 5 pm

Mackenzie

Mackenzie Health Unit
45 Centennial Drive
May 28
10 am - 4 pm

Nisga'a Valley Health Authority

Canyon City Clinic
Greenville Clinic
Kincolith Clinic
New Aiyansh Health Centre

May 25 - 29
9 am - noon, 1 - 5 pm

Prince George

Northern Health Public Health
289 George Street (across from the courthouse and the farmer's market)
May 25, 4 - 7 pm
May 27, 2 - 7 pm
May 28, 9 am - 1 pm
May 29, noon - 4 pm
May 30, 11 am - 3 pm

Quesnel

Luna Women's Wellness Clinic
690 McLean Street
May 28
8 am - 6:30 pm

Valemount

Valemount Health Centre
1445 - 5th Avenue
June 5
8:40 am - 4:30 pm

Burns Lake

Southside Health and Wellness
27920 Wellness Way
June 3
9 am - 3 pm

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