Local health unit reminds women, ‘Pap Tests Save Lives’

To prevent or diagnose cervical cancer, the Leeds Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit says, the use of a Pap smear, cannot be overemphasized.  A Pap smear, or pap test, is a medical procedure that tests for pre-malignant or malignant cells on a women's cervix. Regular pap smears are able to detect abnormalities in the cervix, such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, cervical cancer is the 10th most common form of cancer in Ontario among women, and the second most common in women under the age of 50. The good news, states the Unit’s website, is that regular screenings can almost entirely prevent cervical cancer.
The Unit is urging women to contact their doctor or nurse practitioner and book a test. Those who do not have a doctor are encouraged to contact the Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit at (613)-283-2740 or Health ACTION Line at 1-800-660-5853, in order to book a test with a female Nurse Practitioner.

These Pap test clinics are being held in partnership with the Merrickville Community Health Centre, Smiths Falls Community Health Centre, North Lanark County Community Health Centre, Country Roads Community Health Centre (Portland), CPHC Family Health Team in Brockville, Canadian Cancer Society - Perth Office, the Regional Cancer Program of Southeastern Ontario.

For more information about Pap tests, HPV or cervical cancer, visit www.healthunit.org/cancer.