NLMA encourages women to have regular Pap tests

St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, January 23, 2004 Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association President Dr. Susan King today expressed concern about the high rate of death from cervical cancer in the province.

According to statistics published earlier this week by the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information, cervical cancer has a mortality rate of 3.9 women per 100,000 population for the province. That is about 2½ times higher than the national rate of 1.5 women per 100,000 population.

“The numbers come directly from Statistics Canada and reflect what health providers have known for some time, that only a small percentage of women are screened annually for this preventable disease,” said Dr. King. “In fact, only 33 per cent of women in Newfoundland and Labrador have annual Pap tests.”

Dr. King encouraged all women who are or who have been sexually active to have an annual Pap test. “It’s a simple, quick test that can save your life. I would encourage all women to talk to their doctor about cervical cancer and how you can prevent it.”

Dr. King noted that many of the women who present with cervical cancer in this province are already in the later stages of the disease and the majority of these women have not had a Pap smear in their recent history.

“We all have a role to play in reducing and even eliminating this disease in our population. Family physicians should talk to their patients about the benefits of this screening tool and women need to be proactive in managing their own health.”

Dr. King added that the development of an organized cervical screening program in the province will assist in addressing this important health issue.