|
October 25, 2010
Cancer of the cervix is almost 100 percent preventable if detected early, yet many women do not take the time to have an annual Pap screen.
During Cervical Cancer Awareness Week taking place today through October 30, health care professionals are encouraging women to make an annual Pap screen a part of their regular health routine.
“In British Columbia, one in five women have not had a Pap screen for over two years,” said Dr. Dee Hoyano, a Medical Health Officer with the Vancouver Island Health Authority. “A simple Pap screen takes just a few minutes of your time, and those few minutes can save your life.”
Pap tests detect abnormal cells on the cervix. Early detection and treatment of these abnormal cells can stop cervical cancer from developing. The HPV vaccine is another effective tool to prevent cervical cancer, but women should still get PAP screening, whether or not they’ve received the vaccine.
Each year in Canada about 1,500 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and about 400 die from the disease. In B.C. about 168 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer this year and 48 women will succumb to the disease.
“Up to 90% of these cases could be prevented through annual screening,” said Hoyano.
For more information on cervical cancer, talk to your health care provider or visit the BC Cancer Agency website at www.bccancer.ca
-30-
Media Contact:
Valerie Wilson, VIHA Communications
250-739-6303
|
|