Cervical Common Sense Manitoba Cervical Cancer Screening Program April 2010

What do you already know about cervical screening?

First of all… where is the cervix?

The Cervix

Cervical Common Sense Let the game begin…

Cancer of the cervix… a)is very treatable if found early b)has many early symptoms c)is hereditary (runs in families) d)all of the above

Cancer of the cervix… a)is very treatable if found early b)has many early symptoms c)is hereditary (runs in families) d)all of the above

Facts about cervical cancer: Most types grow slowly It can be cured if found and treated early Most women diagnosed with cervical cancer haven’t ever had a Pap test, or haven’t had a Pap test in five years or more since their diagnosis Regular Pap tests with follow-up of abnormal changes can prevent most cancer of the cervix

Each year in Manitoba 45 new cases of cervical cancer 15 women die from cervical cancer

Which of the following women is at risk for developing cervical cancer? a)Mary who has had only one sexual partner in her lifetime b)Eve who has worked as a sex trade worker for the last 15 years c)Sally who started having sex at 14 and has smoked a pack of cigarettes every day for the past 5 years d)Sylvia who had sex once 5 years ago e)All of these women

Which of the following women is at risk for developing cervical cancer? a)Mary who has had only one sexual partner in her lifetime b)Eve who has worked as a sex trade worker for the last 15 years c)Sally who started having sex at 14 and has smoked a pack of cigarettes every day for the past 5 years d)Sylvia who had sex once 5 years ago e)All of these women

Risk factors for cervical cancer: Infection with HPV Exposure to HPV at an early age Having never had a Pap test or have not had one in over 5 years Having HIV Cigarette smoking

How can I reduce my risk? Have regular Pap tests (at least one every 2 years) Ask your health care provider about the HPV Vaccine Delay sex until late teens or older Avoid cigarette smoke Keep your body healthy and strong

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)… a)is 100% preventable with the use of condoms b)is found on the cervix’s of women with cancer of the cervix c)only affects girls and young women d)is a new form of HIV

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)… a)is 100% preventable with the use of condoms b)is found on the cervix’s of women with cancer of the cervix c)only affects girls and young women d)is a new form of HIV

HPV… is very common is spread easily often has no symptoms can cause changes on your cervix, that if left untreated, can lead to cervical cancer

The HPV Vaccine Gardasil 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

The HPV Vaccine Cervarix protects against 16 & 18 (not yet recommend by National Advisory Committee on Immunization, NACI)

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!!

For more information about the HPV Immunization Program in Manitoba… visit the Manitoba Health website at or call (204)

What is the best thing you can do to reduce your risk? Have regular Pap tests!

What is a Pap test? Cells from your cervix are examined for changes that may lead to cervical cancer.

The Cervix

The Pap test… The Pap test looks for abnormal cells on the cervix It looks for changes BEFORE they turn into cancer If those changes are treated cervical cancer can be prevented.

The Pap test… a)looks at the health of the uterus only b)looks at the health of the cervix only c)looks at the health of the ovaries only d)checks for sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) e)all of the above

The Pap test… a)looks at the health of the uterus only b)looks at the health of the cervix only c)looks at the health of the ovaries only d)checks for sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) e)all of the above

A woman should start having regular Pap tests when… a)she turns 18 years of age b)she starts having sex c)she starts taking the birth control pill d)she wants to get pregnant

A woman should start having regular Pap tests when… a)she turns 18 years of age b)she starts having sex c)she starts taking the birth control pill d)she wants to get pregnant

The longest a woman should go between Pap tests is… a)one year b)two years c)three years d)five years

The longest a woman should go between Pap tests is… a)one year b)two years c)three years d)five years

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

Where can I go? Your health care provider Some clinics have special times Call us or visit our website to find out where you can go in your neighborhood or community!

How can I help the test? Do not put anything into your vagina for 24 hours –No sex toys –No vaginal lubricants –No tampons Do not have sex for 24 hours

Women may be able to stop having Pap tests when they… a)are not having sex more than twice per week b)stop having their periods c)are 70 years of age d)begin regular exercise

Women may be able to stop having Pap tests when they… a)are not having sex more than twice per week b)stop having their periods c)are 70 years of age d)begin regular exercise

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

A woman can get a copy of her Pap test results from… a)her doctor b)her pharmacist c)her neighbor d)the Manitoba Cervical Cancer Screening Program e)her doctor and/or the Manitoba Cervical Cancer Screening Registry

A woman can get a copy of her Pap test results from… a)her doctor b)her pharmacist c)her neighbor d)the Manitoba Cervical Cancer Screening Program e)her doctor and/or the Manitoba Cervical Cancer Screening Registry

The Registry Central Confidential Easy to access All Manitoba women Opt out option Will send you your results!!

If you have an abnormal Pap test it is important that you keep all appointments related to your abnormal Pap test because… a)You probably don’t have cancer but the cells from your cervix look like they have changes b)You probably have cervical cancer

If you have an abnormal Pap test it is important that you keep all appointments related to your abnormal Pap test because… a)You probably don’t have cancer but the cells from your cervix look like they have changes b)You probably have cervical cancer

What happens if my results aren’t normal? Repeat Pap test in 6 months Referral to colposcopy

Colposcopy

Mary is 50 years old. She had a normal Pap test two months ago. Last night she had some bleeding after she and her partner had sex. Mary is not having her period. Mary should…

a)relax – menopause does weird things to your body b)wait a month and see if she feels better c)have sex again to see if the bleeding happens again d)see her health care provider

a)relax – menopause does weird things to your body b)wait a month and see if she feels better c)have sex again to see if the bleeding happens again d)see her health care provider

When was your last Pap test? Are you due?

Remember… most cervical cancers can be prevented!

We are here to answer your questions! We have pamphlets in many languages Most of our resources are available off our website For more information: you can call us at or or visit our website