Cervical Cancer Screening Presenter: Lesley Dyck Web, General Manitoba Cervical Cancer Screening Program

What do you already know about cervical cancer screening?

Female body

Female body

What causes cervical cancer? HPV You may not know you have this virus You can pass this virus without knowing it to men or women

HPV HPV spreads through sexual contact Some types cause –genital warts, or –cervical changes which can lead to cancer HPV can cause problems for some women

Facts about cancer of the cervix: It grows slowly It can be fixed if found and treated early Most can be prevented by regular Pap tests

The Pap Test Can find changes or problems in the cells of the cervix Treating these problems can prevent them from changing into cancer Early changes are called “cervical dysplasia”

The Pap Test Is done at a health clinic by a nurse or doctor You will be asked to undress from the waist down, and you will be given a gown to put on

Pap Test

Slide

Cervix

What are they looking for?

Who needs to have a Pap test? If you have ever had sex, even once, you need a Pap test If you have ever had close intimate touching, even once, you need a Pap test If you are not sure, discuss with your health care provider.

Why do women who have been sexually active have to have Pap tests? HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common virus spread through sexual contact This virus can cause cervical cancer You may not know you have this virus

How can I reduce my risk?

Make healthy life choices… Eat 7-10 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Drink alcohol in moderation (no more than 2 drinks/day for men and no more than 1 drink/day for women) Follow Canada’s food guide

Make healthy life choices… Maintain a healthy weight

Make healthy life choices… Be physically active –Be active every day in any way for 30 minutes or more. Activities such as gardening, walking and climbing stairs can be helpful

Make healthy life choices… If you don’t smoke or use tobacco, don’t start. If you do, get help to quit. –Smoker’s Helpline – –

Make healthy life choices… Get a Pap test every two years

How can I help the test? sex

How often do I need a Pap test? Every year – pick a day that is easy to remember Begin screening three years after onset of sexual activity Continue screening every two years

Pap Test 2008 OK Pap Test 2010 OK Pap Test 2012 OK How often do I need a Pap test?

Where do I go for a Pap test? Your doctor or nurse Call MCCSP at or toll free at Visit our website to find a location near you: TellEveryWoman.ca The pap test is FREE

Pap Test Week October /10

If you are frightened or shy… Ask for a female nurse to be there Ask for a female to do the test when you make the appointment

Does the Pap test check for infections? No

I had a hysterectomy… do I still need a Pap test? Maybe? Ask your doctor or nurse

I am past menopause… do I still need a Pap test? Yes

When can I stop having Pap tests? At 70 years of age you may be able to stop Talk to your health care provider

Where can I get my results? Call the clinic where you had the Pap test performed, or Call… Manitoba Cervical Cancer Screening Program

The Registry Keeps a record of all Pap tests done after April 2001 Screening histories More understanding of cancer of the cervix Follow-up Reminder letters Invitation letters

Who has access to the Registry? Health care provider The laboratory that reads your Pap test MCCSP staff involved in the registry

The HPV Vaccine Protects against 4 kinds of HPV (16, 18, 6 & 11) –HPV 16 & 18 cause over 70% of cervical cancer –HPV 6 &11 cause 90% of genital warts Cannot be used to treat an existing HPV infection

The HPV Vaccine Works best when it is given to young women before they start having sexual contact Does not cure existing HPV infections Ask your health care provider about the vaccine

The HPV Vaccine Girls in grade six are offered the vaccine free of charge as of the school year. Anyone outside of the program must pay for the vaccine, $500 for a series of three injections over the course of 6 months Still need Pap tests!!

Resources Available in the following languages: English, French, Cree, Ojibwe, Chinese, German, Hindi, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Amharic, Somali, Swahili, Farsi, Russian, Serbo-Croation, Arabic, Korean, Ukranian, Urdu, Italian, Dinka, Cree Roman.

DVDs and Videos Available in the following languages: English, French, Chinese, Cree, Hindi, Ojibwe, Portuguese, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog, Urdu, Vietnamese

When was your last Pap test? Are you due?

Remember… Most cervical cancers can be prevented!!

We are here to answer your questions! For more information: you can call the MCCSP at or or visit our website