Have you had a pap test this year? Last year? Can you remember when? If not, do yourself a favour and get screened to guard against cervical cancer.
In fact this week, October 16 to 20, is Cervical Cancer Awareness Week. To that end, the Champlain Regional Cancer Program is partnering with the Federation of Medical Women of Canada (FMWC) to hold a PAP-alooza event, with the common goal of fighting cervical cancer.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, which is located at the opening of the uterus. An estimated 1,550 Canadian women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2017. An estimated 400 will die from it. In Ontario, about 630 women are diagnosed with cancer of the cervix each year and about 150 women die from this disease.
The good news is that cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable with regular screening, appropriate and timely follow-up of abnormal results and human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization. Most cervical cancers are diagnosed in women who have never been screened or have not been screened, therefore, this campaign seeks to make it as convenient as possible for women to be tested. Please contact your family doctor or go to https://fmwc.ca/pap-clinics/ to find a clinic and get your pap test today.
