“According to data from the cytology registry, only 35 per cent of eligible women in the province have a yearly Pap test,” said Dr. Major. “When we look at additional data from the provincial cytology registry, the picture is equally disturbing. Over the last three years, only 58 per cent of eligible women have had at least one Pap test. That means that 42 per cent of women in the province are in a higher risk group for cervical cancer simply because they have not had a Pap test.”

Dr. Major said that the NLMA endorses the recommendation of the province’s Cervical Screening Initiatives Program that women see their regular family doctor and make the Pap test a part of their personal health routine.

“Only a Pap test will detect changes in the cervix before cancer develops,” said Dr. Major. “It is a simple, effective way to deal with this almost entirely preventable disease.”

Dr. Major said that in addition to encouraging women to make cervical screening a part of their annual checkup, the NLMA recognizes the important role family doctors play in enhancing screening participation rates.

“One of the most successful stimuli for participation in cervical screening is the physician prompt,” said Dr. Major. “The NLMA is working with the provincial Cervical Screening Initiatives Program to support tools and resources that will assist physicians to increase screening rates.”