Health Care Providers recognized for efforts to
increase Pap Test rates

For immediate release – March 8, 2007

In conjunction with International Women’s Day today, many physicians and nurse practitioners in this province are receiving a Certificate of Appreciation.

“In recognition of their significant contribution to screening women for cervical cancer, physicians and nurse practitioners who have screened 200 or more women in their practice during 2006 will receive a certificate of achievement,” said Lori Harnett, provincial women’s educator with the cervical screening coordinating office.

“With the recently announced improvements in Pap testing, we should be able to change the face of cervical cancer in this province,” comments Dr Susan King, medical advisor to the cervical screening program. “ However, all the improvements in the technology will mean nothing if the women who are not currently tested do not get screened.”

Dr King goes on to say that a review of screening reports shows that only 20 percent of women go for a Pap test year after year. Furthermore, the majority of women who present with cervical cancer are at an advanced stage of disease and have little or no screening history.

Leslie MacLeod, President of the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women agrees this is a wonderful way to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), recognizing health care providers for their work in keeping our women’s bodies well.  Now as women we must challenge ourselves our daughters, co-workers, sisters, mothers and friends to take advantage of this Cervical Screening Program.  Why not book our Pap test each March 8^th and we will always remember the importance of IWD.

“Only a Pap test will detect changes in the cervix before cancer develops,” said Harnett. “It is a simple, effective way to deal with this almost entirely preventable disease.

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Media Contact:

Lori Harnett
Provincial Women’s Health Educator
Cervical Screening Initiatives Program
Tel: 709 643 8716      Cell 709 649 2401
Toll free:1 866 643 8719
Fax: 709 643 1203

Lynn Barter
Director of Communications
NLMA
Telephone: 709-726-7424, Ext. 306
Cell: 709-727-6153
E-mail: lbarter@nlma.nl.ca

Leslie MacLeod, President
Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women
Tel: 709 753 6124
E-mail: LeslieMacLeod@pacsw.com