Northeast Cancer Centre encourages cervical cancer screenings

The Northeast Cancer Centre is asking all women to make sure they up to date with their Pap test.

To coincide with Cervical Cancer Awareness Week, the Northeast Cancer Centre says it especially encourages women between the ages of 60 and 69 to get screened for cervical cancer, given their rates of screening are declining.

Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable with regular screening and the human papillomavirus immunization (HPV). But, according to Cancer Care Ontario, the number of women getting screened drops after the age of 60.

“We’re not sure why women aren’t screening after they hit a certain age,” said Dr. Amanda Hey, the Northeast Cancer Centre's regional primary care lead, in a press release.

“But we want women to understand the importance of maintaining regular screening past the age of 60 as the risk of developing cervical cancer still exists. Cancer screening can save lives, and the Pap test has proven to be a valuable tool to prevent cervical cancer.”

A Pap test is recommended every three years, for women between the ages of 21 and 69 who are or have ever been sexually active. Yet, in northeastern Ontario, screening rates lag behind the rest of the province.

“More women should be getting screened for cervical cancer, as it’s almost entirely preventable with regular screening, appropriate followup and immunization,” said Dr. Joan Murphy, clinical lead for Cancer Care Ontario’s Ontario Cervical Screening Program, in a press release.

“Most women should be having a Pap test every three years between the ages of 21 and 69, but what we’re seeing is a drop-off around the time women reach menopause.”

In 2014, around 630 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in Ontario and it is estimated that 150 women will die from the disease.

Women are encouraged to speak to their doctor or nurse practitioner about the best screening options for them.

For more information visit the Time to Screen Tool at www.ontario.ca/screenforlife.