As Prince Edward Island observes Cervical Cancer Awareness Week, October 21-27, Health PEI is outlining changes to current cervical cancer screening guidelines that maximize the benefits of screening for Island women while minimizing the harms, says Marla Delaney, Health PEI Program Coordinator.
“Over the past thirty years, the number of women diagnosed with cervical cancer in Prince Edward Island has decreased by more than 40 per cent which is a strong reflection of good cancer screening practices,” said Delaney. “Health PEI has recently updated the provincial cervical cancer screening guidelines based on the latest scientific research and evidence which will allow Island women to benefit from better screening practices. These changes will also better align our provincial guidelines with national recommendations and screening guidelines adopted by other health care jurisdictions across Canada.”
About two thirds of eligible women in Prince Edward Island get screened for cervical cancer by having a Pap test.
Changes to the provincial cervical cancer screening guidelines include:
• Cervical cancer screening begin at 21 years of age for women who are or have been sexually active;
• If not sexually active by age 21, cervical cancer screening can be delayed until sexual activity begins;
• Cervical cancer screening should be scheduled for every two (2) years (there is no need for more frequent screening unless follow-up is required due to an abnormal screening outcome); and,
• Women 65 years of age and older, who have had three (3) normal Pap tests within the previous ten years, can discontinue screening.
A provincial working group was formed earlier this year that included health care professionals from across the province to examine the latest information and to revise clinical practice guidelines for cervical cancer screening in Prince Edward Island.
“The best way to prevent and reduce the incidence of cervical cancer is for eligible women to get screened regularly, not by screening women earlier or more often than the guidelines recommend. Over screening can lead to unnecessary procedures that could harm a women’s health,” explains Dr. Krista Cassell, Gynecologist, and chair of the provincial working group. “These guidelines are to assist clinicians and women in determining what is right for them. Women who have a history of abnormal Pap tests or who have had cervical cancer are of an increased risk and may require a different approach to screening. These guidelines are for average-risk women and are intended to improve practice so that the women are getting the appropriate care they need at the optimal time.”
Women can make an appointment with their family doctor, nurse practitioner or primary care nurse for a Pap test. They can also make an appointment with the PEI Pap Screening Clinic by calling 902-368-2010 or toll-free 1-866-818-7277.
For more information, please visit: www.healthpei.ca/papscreening.