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Fall 2005 |
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H e a l t h P r o m o t i o n
Survey shows
women know they should have a pap test… so why aren't they?
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MIC Global Photo |
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Only 35 per cent of women
in this province have an annual Pap smear; these rates are very low.
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Submitted Article |
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The Cervical Screening Initiatives
Program has been a provincial program since January 2003. The
provincial expansion saw the hiring of dedicated staff in the
western and central health regions, consultation and staged-in
implementation in Grenfell and Labrador and a second province-wide
fall awareness campaign, known as Pap Test Awareness Week.
This campaign is an intensive week of
varied multi-media initiatives, as well as program-driven strategies
aimed at raising the awareness among women and service providers on the
importance of regular Pap screening. This simple test can detect early
cell changes that are a precursor to cancer. These abnormalities, when
caught early enough, can be treated and prevent cervical cancer.
After the program’s second successful
Provincial Pap Test Awareness Week campaign, an external evaluator was
hired to determine if the education and awareness campaign was reaching
its intended audience. A random household survey reported 93 per cent of
women knew it was important to have a regular Pap test. It also
reiterated the program’s success in using a multi-pronged approach using
a variety of mediums including print (newspapers, posters and
brochures), radio and television to reach a diverse population.
While the Cervical Screening Initiatives
Program reveled in the overwhelming success of the survey results, the
never-ending challenge of low Pap screening rates remains. Only 35 per
cent of women in this province have an annual Pap smear; these rates are
very low. Every year, between 30 and 35 women in Newfoundland and
Labrador are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer and another 100 or
more with severe pre-cancerous changes. These statistics coupled with
the ever-growing trend towards incidence rates occurring in a much
younger population (in 2004, 43 per cent of cancer of the cervix
diagnosed in women under 40 years of age and 63 per cent in women
younger than 50) only strengthens the commitment of the program to bring
all partners together to eradicate this preventable disease.
An article in the St. John’s Telegram
published earlier this past summer, featuring an interview with Dr. Lesa
Dawson, relayed the courageous story of a Glenwood women's battle with
cervical cancer. As she tells her story she hopes to spread the message
to other women that a Pap test can save their life. As with many who are
diagnosed with cervical cancer she identifies “pride” as the barrier
which kept her from seeking screening. Many women relate embarrassment
with asking to have a Pap test.
The program encourages physicians and all
service providers to offer this important preventative screening test to
all their female patients and encourages all women to take personal
responsibility for their health.
For more information, contact the
Provincial Coordinating Office at
loriharnett@hcsw.nf.ca.
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