Improving BC women’s access to cervical cancer screening at their local clinics

Vancouver, B.C. – The BC Cancer Agency, in partnership with local clinics, launches B.C.’s first Pap Week from May 5 to 12, 2008 to improve women’s access to cervical cancer screening by connecting them to clinics in their communities.

"This is a unique, week-long opportunity for women in Vancouver to get a Pap test," said Ida Chong, Minister of Community Services and Minister Responsible for Seniors' and Womens' Issues. "It is important to raise awareness and to promote a positive impact on the health of women."

The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, recognizes access to the Pap test may influence B.C. women’s participation in regular cervical cancer screening. Women in the Lower Mainland are encouraged to walk into participating clinics without an appointment on designated days during the week of May 5 to 12 and have a Pap test.

“It is important for women to get regular screening,” says Dr. Imtiaz Hassam of Yaletown Medical Clinic. “We encourage women who don’t have a regular family physician or are unable to get to a family physician to come into our clinic during Pap Week to get their Pap tests done.”

The goal of Pap Week this year is to bring at least 100 women into participating clinics to have their Pap tests. This pilot initiative will be evaluated and expanded province-wide if successful. (Please see attached the list of participating clinics and the designated dates for each clinic.)

Regular Pap tests detect abnormal cells in the cervix before they become cancerous and when they are easily treated. Women who have been sexually active 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 for more information. Women can also visit this site to find a participating Pap Week clinic in their community.

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 over 70 percent.

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.

Contact:

Nicole Adams
Director, Communications
BC Cancer Agency
604.641.5167
Nadams@bccancer.bc.ca