The following is being distributed at the request of the Provincial Cervical Screening Initiatives Program:

Launch of provincial Pap Test Awareness Campaign

A provincial campaign focused on raising awareness of cervical cancer was launched to mark Pap Test Awareness Week, October 19 - 25. The campaign is part of the Provincial Cervical Screening Initiatives Program�s comprehensive approach to cervical cancer screening.

"A critical issue for our province is that women are not having regular pap tests, a screening test for cervical cancer," said Joanne Rose, provincial director with the Cervical Screening Initiatives Program. "Pap Test Awareness Week allows us to call attention to the fact that seven out of 10 women in this province do not see their family doctor for an annual pap test. The provincial program will focus on opportunities to increase awareness of the risks of cervical cancer and the benefits of screening."

"No woman should die of cervical cancer," comments medical director, Dr. Cathy Popadiuk. "A simple procedure, the pap test, is meant to pick up pre-cancerous changes, so we can treat them before they become cancer. The most recent statistics by the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information report death rates in this province to be 60 per cent higher than the other provinces. The death rates are astounding when you consider that cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable."

This year, the Pap Test Awareness Week campaign is facilitated by Cathy Jones of This Hour Has 22 Minutes. Cathy says straight out, "I admit it, having a pap test is not my favorite thing to do. But this simple test can save your life!"

Across the province this week, a number of educational and promotional activities are planned. This will include print ads, television commercials, and events to increase public awareness. "We encourage women to take an active approach to wellness and include pap tests as a part of their personal health routine," reminds Joanne Rose. "The whole purpose of a cervical screening program is to see significant improvements in women�s health related to cervical cancer. This program is a valuable investment for women in Newfoundland and Labrador."

Media contact: Provincial Cervical Screening Initiatives Program, 1-866-643-8719

2003 10 20                                        4:25 p.m.