CERVICAL SCREENING PROGRAM ANNOUNCED

Released on January 16, 2002

Saskatchewan women will benefit from a new program aimed at reducing

cervical cancer. The program, announced today, will encourage women to get

regular pap tests and ensure they receive proper follow-up care.



Each year in the province, an estimated 50 to 60 women are diagnosed with

cervical cancer, and 15 - 20 women die, even though the disease is almost

completely preventable.



"Efforts to promote good health and stop preventable diseases will provide

long term benefits," Health Minister John Nilson said.



"We are very pleased to support the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (SCA) in

developing a prevention program for cervical cancer in the province,"

Nilson said. "Through this program, our goal is to reduce the number of

women who are diagnosed with this disease and the number who die from

cervical cancer every year."



The program includes:



a plan to recruit women who have never had a pap test, or who do so

infrequently;



education and communication activities to raise awareness among the

public and health providers about the importance of regular

screening; and



a Provincial Cervical Screening Information System to support

recruitment initiatives and to ensure women with abnormal results

receive proper follow-up care.



The majority of Saskatchewan women receive regular pap tests from their

family physician. However, there are many women who are at risk and who

are not being tested, according to SCA Screening Programs Director Lois

Harrison.



"About 40 per cent of women in Saskatchewan have never been screened or are

not being screened often enough," Harrison said. "By working with

physicians and other health partners, this program gives us an opportunity

to reach those high-risk women and build a greater understanding about this

preventable disease and the need for regular testing."



The new program will be delivered by the SCA and funded by Saskatchewan

Health.



- 30 -



For more information, contact:



Myrna Stark Leader Glenda Little

Health Saskatchewan Cancer Agency

Regina Regina

Phone: (306) 787-4083 Phone: (306) 585-1831