Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be effectively prevented through screening. When implemented properly, pap smear screening can significantly reduce the probability of getting cervical cancer. With National Cervical Cancer Awareness Week taking place October 21 to 25, 2019, a team of University of Alberta OB/GYN residents are hosting an afternoon of advocacy on October 16 to kick things off-and you can help them spread the word.
The Mission: Battle misinformation
The OB/GYN residents will be setting up information booths in various hospital locations (Royal Alexandra Hospital Main Lobby and Robbins Pavilion, Grey Nuns Community Hospital Main Lobby and ECHA). These booths will provide information for anyone passing by in regards to cervical cancer, pap test screening, HPV and the HPV vaccine. With so much misinformation circulating about the vaccine, residents can answer any questions and provide credible, trusted information.
Take the next step
Inspired to decrease your own risk of cervical cancer? The residents are able to provide prescriptions for the HPV vaccine for individuals who are interested, right at the information booths. They will also be hosting a walk-in pap test clinic at the South Side Women's Health Center within Tawa Medical Center (Suite 120, 3017 66 St.) between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on October 16. Call 780-462-3272 for more information.
Challenge: Shape the future
U of A medical students will have the opportunity to attend a lunchtime talk from the residents, in order to learn the importance of effective screening. Residents will also highlight prevention strategies for the students, so they can enter their own medical careers informed about this key topic.
Challenge: Get creative and educated
A patient-focused event will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Robbins Pavilion at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women, where they will have the opportunity to gather, chat and craft together. The residents will add in an educational component by providing them with information on cervical cancer, screening opportunities and HPV.
Challenge: Greet the Pap Brigade
While the information booths will be an integral resource, residents will also be split into teams as part of a Pap Brigade. The teams will travel throughout the Royal Alexandra Hospital and provide fly-by information to reach colleagues, wherever they are.
The Battle Cry
Jennifer Mateshaytis, a fifth-year OB/GYN resident at the U of A, is one of the individuals involved in organizing the awareness campaign. She emphasized the importance of the event with a simple battle cry: "Pap tests save lives and we need to spread the word!"
For more information about cervical cancer screening processes in Alberta, visit the Screening for Life website.