Pap Test Awareness Week is being officially launched in the province today to remind women of the importance of regular Pap screening to reduce the high rates of cervical cancer in Prince Edward Island.
Health and Social Services Minister Jamie Ballem advised that it is important to continue to remind women that cervical cancer is one of the easiest cancers to address and the only cancer that can be prevented by screening. "Through more screening, we can reduce the high rate of cervical cancer in Prince Edward Island."
A media campaign begins today encouraging women to be screened at least every two years. Television and radio commercials feature the stories of three generations of Island women and encourage women to call their doctor or the Pap Screening Clinic to arrange a Pap test.
"This year's campaign also includes the message that women now have more options about where to book a Pap test," said Minister Ballem. "With the recent opening of the Pap Screening Clinic in September 2001, women can now book a test with their family doctor or with the clinic."
Dr. David Stewart, family physician, indicated that response to the Pap Screening Clinic is extremely positive. "Women from across PEI are calling to book a Pap test."
"Since the clinic opened, more than 200 women have been screened," he said. "We are certainly pleased with the response and given the campaign beginning today, I expect that more women will book a test with their family doctor or at the clinic by calling toll-free at 1-866-818-7277(PAPS)."
More than 20,000 brochures and pocket calendars promoting access to Pap screening are also being distributed to the public through local pharmacies, physician and public health nursing offices, family resource centres, shopping malls and hairdressers as part of Pap Test Awareness Week, October 21-27. The campaign is sponsored by the PEI Department of Health and Social Services, the Medical Society of PEI, and the PEI Division of the Canadian Cancer Society.
For more information on the Pap screening campaign or the Pap Screening Clinic please contact Heather MacMillan at 368-4951.