1 / 23

Today’s discussion …

Today’s discussion …. Cervical cancer in Ontario Cervical cancer and its risk factors Preventing cervical cancer: What is a Pap test? How is a Pap test done? How often should I have one? What do my results mean?. Cervical cancer: 2008 Ontario.

rogan-flores
Download Presentation

Today’s discussion …

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Today’s discussion … • Cervical cancer in Ontario • Cervical cancer and its risk factors • Preventing cervical cancer: • What is a Pap test? • How is a Pap test done? • How often should I have one? • What do my results mean?

  2. Cervical cancer: 2008 Ontario • In 2008, 500 Ontario women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer • 150 Ontario women will die from it • Each week: - about 10 women in Ontario develop cervical cancer - about 3 women die from cervical cancer in Ontario Source: National Cancer Institute of Canada and Canadian Cancer Society “Canadian Cancer Statistics 2007”

  3. What is the cervix?

  4. What is cervical cancer? • An abnormality of the cells lining the surface of the cervix • Cervical cells can change • Changes usually occur slowly, often over several years • Early changes may resolve orthey can develop into cancer

  5. Cervical cancer risk factors • Sexual activity now or in the past • Sexual activity before age 18 Smoking • Multiple sexual partners • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

  6. Cervical cancer can be prevented by having regular Pap tests • Almost all cancers of the cervix can be stopped when early cell changes are found and treated

  7. What is a Pap test? • The Pap test looks at cervical cells • It can detect changes in these cells before changes become cancerous • Not a test for other cancers or STDs • A screening test not a diagnostic test

  8. How is a Pap test done? • By a doctor or nurse practitioner • Speculum: allows doctor or nurse to see the cervix • Small spatula and brush used to take samples of cervical cells • Internal exam after Pap test • It’s common to have mild spotting after the Pap test

  9. Pap tests are most effective when… • you do not have your period • you have not had sex for 24 hours before the test • you have not used vaginal foams, medication or douches for 48 hours • you ask questions if you have any

  10. How often should I have a Pap test? • Every year once you start having sex (intercourse) • If your tests are normal for three years in a row, then you will need a Pap test every two years - ask your doctor or nurse about how often you should have a Pap test • Have regular tests until at least age 70

  11. How to relax during your Pap test • Remember it takes only a few minutes • Talk to your doctor or nurse about it ...Cont’d.

  12. How to relax during your Pap test • Take slow, deep breaths, wiggle your toes, think restful thoughts or focus on something else in the room • If your health care provider is male, a female assistant may remain in the room • Ask a friend or relative to come with you

  13. Common reactions and feelings about the Pap test • “I’m afraid the test will hurt.” • “I’ll be embarrassed.” • “I’ve never had a Pap test and never had a problem – I feel great.” • “I don’t need a Pap test because... • I’ve finished having children. • I’m in menopause. • I don’t have sex any more.”

  14. After your Pap test … • Your cervical cell sample is carefully checked for abnormal cells at a lab • The lab will report results to your health care provider’s office • Generally, your health care provider will call only if there’s a problem • If your test is normal, you can schedule your next Pap test in one or two years

  15. What if my test is abnormal? The test may be inconclusive You may have an infection • The cells may be abnormal/ pre-cancerous • The cells may be cancerous

  16. Treatment for abnormal cell changes • Repeat Pap test in 3 to 6 months • Colposcopy • Biopsy • Cryotherapy • Laser therapy • Cone biopsy/conization • LEEP • Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy

  17. Things to remember 1. A Pap test can help prevent cervical cancer 2. Most results from Pap tests are normal 3. Most abnormal results are easily treated ...Cont’d.

  18. Things to remember 4. Cervical cancer can take up to 10 years to develop 5. All women who have ever been sexually active should have regular Pap tests 6. After three normal tests, Pap tests should be repeated at least every two years ...Cont’d.

  19. Things to remember 7. Older women need Pap tests, too 8. A Pap test checks for cervical cancer only not other cancers or STDs 9. When in doubt, check with your health care provider 10. If you have a male health care provider, you can ask to have a woman stay with you during your Pap test

  20. Take the time to test… Good health is for life • Protect yourself • Avoid tobacco • Take care … • … and get regular Pap tests

More Related