Health and Social Services Minister Jamie Ballem today announced the start of a Pap Screening Clinic at the Cornwall Medical Centre to increase access to regular Pap screening among Island women.
Women between the ages of 18 and 69 who have not had a Pap test in the last two years can now call the Pap Screening Clinic toll-free at 1-866-818-7277(PAPS) to book a test.
Women who choose to be screened at the clinic will have their Pap test performed by a trained registered nurse under the supervision of Dr. David Stewart.
Minister Ballem advised that the clinic was established to make it easier for women to have a Pap test by providing an additional option. "Women now have the choice of booking a Pap test with their family physician or with the Pap Screening Clinic."
"Over the past year we have been successful in increasing public awareness that cervical cancer can be prevented through regular screening," said the Minister. "With increased access, we are another step closer to reducing the rates of cervical cancer on Prince Edward Island.
Dr. David Stewart, family physician, indicated that it is important for women to be screened for cervical cancer on a regular basis. "Having a registered nurse perform the pap test, provides another option for women who do not have a doctor or who for personal reasons would feel more comfortable with a nurse. The nurse will be able to answer questions about the Pap test as well as other preventive health practices like breast screening," he said.
The clinic will be open three days a week including some evenings to be accessible to as many women as possible.
All women who have a Pap test at the clinic will receive a letter from the clinic indicating their test results. A woman's own family physician is responsible for follow-up of any abnormalities detected. If a woman does not have a family physician, Dr. Stewart will provide follow-up.
Diane Devitt, past President, Canadian Cancer Society, PEI Division, advised that because of public education, women are more aware that a Pap test detects very early cell changes and that these cell changes can be treated before cancer develops. "Women are also more aware that there are no signs or symptoms with early cell changes."
"It is important that women take their health seriously and book an appointment to be screened," said Ms. Devitt. "Today woman have one more option. They can call their family doctor or the Pap Screening Clinic to book a Pap test."
"The easier it is for women to be screened, the more likely, with early detection, the rate of cervical cancer will decrease," she said.
The Pap Screening Clinic will be independently evaluated with results available over the next two years.