The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, reached its goal of bringing at least 100 women into participating clinics during its pilot Pap Week for cervical cancer screening.

“We recognize that factors such as limited availability of family doctors and challenges scheduling medical appointments around work and other commitments likely influence a woman’s decision to get regular Pap tests,” says Dr. Dirk van Niekerk, Medical Leader for the BC Cancer Agency’s Cervical Cancer Screening Program (CCSP). “We initiated Pap Week to improve awareness and access to screening, and we’re so pleased with the results.”

Just over 100 women had a Pap test at 12 clinics in the Lower Mainland as part of the BC Cancer Agency’s first Pap Week from May 5 to 12, 2008. Of these women, 72 percent had never had a Pap test in B.C. or were overdue to get screened.

This initiative allowed women to walk into a participating clinic without an appointment on designated days during the week to get a Pap test.

“We were excited to see women of a variety of ages and ethnicities accessing our clinic for Pap Week,” says Danielle Chard, Director of Clinical Services for Options for Sexual Health. “Many of these new clients hadn’t had a Pap test in over five years, or simply didn’t know where to get one. Clearly, Pap Week got the word out to women who needed to hear about this important health issue.”

“Pap Week also helped us learn how to support clinics in the community to offer walk-in Pap tests on designated days,” says Dr. van Niekerk. “Building on the success of the pilot Pap Week, we plan to expand this initiative province-wide, working more closely with community leaders and health care providers to encourage women to access cervical cancer screening.”

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.

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, or they can visit BC Cancer Agency’s website at www.bccancer.bc.ca/cervicalscreening to find a nearby clinic.

Established in the 1950s, 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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