Pop-Up Clinics Enhance Access to Cervical Cancer Screenings During Cervical Health Awareness Month
In a significant stride towards improving health outcomes, various clinics throughout Canada are organizing pop-up events aimed at offering cervical cancer screenings in honor of Cervical Health Awareness Month (CHAM) this January.
As the incidence of cervical cancer continues to rise in Canada, there is an urgent need to promote awareness and encourage comprehensive cervical cancer screenings. This month, numerous clinics across the nation are stepping up in the battle against cervical cancer by providing accessible screening opportunities for all women and individuals with a cervix aged 25 to 69, ensuring they receive the vital screenings they require.
For many individuals, fitting a cervical screening into their busy schedules can prove to be quite challenging. The introduction of cervical screening pop-ups is intended to bridge this gap by enhancing accessibility and dedicating specific times for those who may lack a regular healthcare provider or have had difficulty prioritizing their health needs.
"Certain strains of HPV are the primary culprits behind cervical cancer, affecting four out of five people at some stage in their lives," emphasizes Dr. Karla Willows, an Assistant Professor in the Division of Gynaecologic Oncology at Dalhousie University. "Increasing access to cervical screening across Canada is essential to guarantee that everyone has equal opportunities for prevention and early detection of cervical cancer."
These cervical screening pop-up events are being organized by participating clinics in provinces such as Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec, in collaboration with notable organizations including HPV Global Action, the Women’s Health Coalition, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, the Society of Canadian Colposcopists, and Hologic Inc.
PARTNER QUOTES:
"We possess the means to eradicate cervical cancer. By broadening access to HPV-based cervical screenings, providing robust support through every care step, and empowering women with knowledge about screening opportunities, we move closer to a future devoid of cervical cancer."
— Amelie Mcfadyen, CEO of HPV Global Action
"Enhancing access to cervical screening across Canada is crucial for ensuring that everyone has a fair chance for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer."
— Cidalia Sluce, National Manager of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada
"We have a unique opportunity to eliminate cervical cancer by concentrating on HPV screening and follow-up care. It is imperative that we raise awareness and collaborate with a diverse range of healthcare professionals to reach women in their communities."
— Carmen Wyton, Chair/Founder of the Women’s Health Coalition
"Numerous women are not receiving the essential care they deserve, and as a pioneering force in women's health, we are dedicated to changing this narrative. We are thankful to collaborate with our partners and clinics across Canada to provide these pop-up events, aiming to enhance access to necessary screenings that could help prevent cervical cancer."
— Sheron Brosseau, Marketing Manager at Hologic Inc.
SOURCE: HPV Global Action
MEDIA CONTACTS:
English: Michelle Jamieson, [email protected]
Quebec/French: Marie-Helene Grenier, [email protected]
But here’s where it gets critical: What do you think about the efforts to increase access to cervical cancer screenings? Are they sufficient, or is more needed to ensure everyone gets the care they deserve? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
