1. Pap Test
ESL Presentation
Immigrant version
April 2010

2. Cancer A growth that makes people sick
Cancer
A growth that makes people sick
Cervical Cancer is a type of cancer that only women get

3. Female body www.TellEveryWoman.ca Explain:
-that this is the female reproductive system.
-outline where the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and vagina are

4. Female body www.TellEveryWoman.ca Explain:
-the cervix is located at the bottom of the uterus or at the top of the vagina
-the uterus is where your babies grow when you’re pregnant
-the cervix is what dilates or stretches to allow babies to come out

5. What causes cervical cancer?
HPV
You may not know you have this virus
Explain:
-HPV is called Human Papilloma Virus.
-most people who have HPV have no symptoms and feel healthy
-you can pass it on to others without knowing it.

6. HPV HPV spreads through sexual contact Some types cause
genital warts, or
cervical changes which can lead to cancer
HPV can cause problems for some women
Explain:
-HPV is transmitted through sexual contact (includes intercourse and close intimate touching)
-3 out of 4 people will come into contact with genital HPV in their lifetime.
-condoms may provide some protection but should not be relied upon to prevent HPV
-if left untreated on the cervix, HPV can cause cervical cancer
- some types of this virus can cause changes in the cells of your cervix that can lead to cancer

7. Facts about cancer of the cervix
Facts about cancer of the cervix
It grows slowly
It can be fixed if found and treated early
Most can be stopped by regular Pap tests
Explain:
-On average, cervical cancer takes years to grow to a point where it is invasive.
-we never say “all” cancers can be prevented. We say “most”. This is because:
-There are rare types of cancers that could potentially be undetected by a pap test.
-About 1 in 5 Pap tests are read as “normal” when in fact there is dysplasia present. This is due to human error of the health provider, the laboratory cytotechnologist or the patient and this error rate is considered normal. That is why women should have 3 normal tests one year apart before extending the interval to 2 years.
Emphasize:
-Cervical dysplasia (early changes) and early cancer of the cervix often do not have symptoms. You can feel healthy and have early cancer of the cervix.
-the majority of women who die from cervical cancer have either never been screened or haven’t been screened in more than 5 years.

8. The Pap Test Is done at a health clinic
The Pap Test
Is done at a health clinic
You will be asked to undress from the waist down and be given a gown to put on
Emphasize:
-the test is over within a couple of minutes.

9. Pap Test www.TellEveryWoman.ca
GET A VOLUNTEER TO DEMONSTRATE!!
Explain:
-a speculum is inserted into the vagina in order to get a good view of the cervix
-your health care provider will use a thin wooden stick called a spatula and a soft cervical brush called a cytobrush to remove cells from the cervix.
-the Pap test should not be painful, however, some women do find this test uncomfortable. If you do experience some discomfort let your health care provider know.

10. Cervix www.TellEveryWoman.ca Explain:
-this is the view your health care provider will have of your cervix when providing your Pap test
-the small opening in the centre of the cervix is called the “os”. This is what dilates, or stretches to allow babies through the birth canal.

11. Slide www.TellEveryWoman.ca Explain:
-the cells taken from the cervix are placed on a slide. The slide is then sprayed with a fixative and transported to the lab for examination.

12. What are they looking for?
What are they looking for?
Explain:
-the Pap test look for problems on the cervix.
-it looks for changes before it is cancer
-if you fix the changes you reduce the risk for cancer of the cervix

13. Who needs to have a Pap test?
Who needs to have a Pap test?
If you have ever had sex, even once, you need a Pap test
If you have ever had intimate sexual touching even once, you need a Pap test
If you are not sure, discuss with your doctor or nurse
Encourage:
- women to be absolutely honest with themselves.
Explain:
-even if they had one partner a very long time ago and have never been sexually active since - they have had sex.

14. sex How can I help the test? www.TellEveryWoman.ca Explain:
-the use of lubricants, jellies or the presence of semen or blood in the sample of cells put on the slide may obscure the cervical cells on the slide, increasing the possibility that the Pap test could result in a “false negative” (interpreted as normal when it is not) or with be an unsatisfactory smear (meaning that no diagnosis is made and the test needs to be repeated).
Note:
Not every woman has control over when she has sex. Re-inforce that even if a woman has had sex within 24 hours she should not cancel her appointment. The test would be better if she had not had sex but it is still better to be screened.

15. How often do I need a Pap test?
How often do I need a Pap test?
Begin screening 3 years after starting sexual activity
Continue screening every 2 years
-Advise women to pick a season change or Birthday to remind them that it is time to have a Pap test.

16. How often do I need a Pap test?
How often do I need a Pap test?
Pap Test
2012 OK
Explain:
-screening should commence within three years of first sexual activity.
-women should be screened every 2 years.
Pap Test
2008 OK
Pap Test
2010 OK

17. Where do I go for a Pap test?
Where do I go for a Pap test?
Your doctor or nurse
Call or visit our website
TellEveryWoman.ca
The pap test is FREE

18. Pap Test Week October, 2010
Go to TellEveryWoman.ca to find a location near you during Pap week.
You don’t need an appointment for a Pap test during Pap week.

19. If you are scared or shy…
If you are scared or shy…
Ask for a woman to be there
Ask for a female to do the test when you make the appointment

20. How can I reduce my risk? www.TellEveryWoman.ca
-keep your body healthy and strong
-avoid cigarette smoke

21. What is the best thing you can do?
What is the best thing you can do?
Have regular Pap tests!

22. Does the Pap test check for infections?
Does the Pap test check for infections? No
Explain:
-Pap test only looks for changes on cells of the cervix.
-STI check needed if woman concerned about sexually transmitted infections etc. Tell women that the test for infections can be done at the same time as the Pap test.
-explain that the Pap test does not check the ovaries or uterus. This is also a separate test, but that can also be done at the same time as your Pap test.

23. I had a hysterectomy… do I still need a Pap test?
I had a hysterectomy… do I still need a Pap test?
Maybe?
Ask your doctor or nurse
Explain:
-a woman she speak with her doctor or nurse to determine if she still needs pap tests post hysterectomy.
A woman who has had a hysterectomy may be able to stop having Pap tests if:
She has had a total hysterectomy (this should be confirmed with her doctor)
The hysterectomy was for benign conditions, ie. the hysterectomy was NOT because of cancer (this should be confirmed upon pathology with her doctor)
All previous pap tests have been normal
Note:
-women do not always know or understand their medical history. The factors discussed above should be confirmed with her medical team to ensure she qualifies as somebody that may be able to stop having Pap tests.

24. What is menopause? Menopause is when you no longer have a period.
What is menopause?
Menopause is when you no longer have a period.

25. I am past menopause… do I still need a Pap test?
I am past menopause… do I still need a Pap test?
Yes

26. When can I stop having Pap tests?
When can I stop having Pap tests?
At 70 years of age you may be able to stop
Talk to your doctor or nurse

27. Where can I get my results?
Where can I get my results?
Your doctor or nurse or…
Call

28.
Resources
Explain:
-the MCCSP has a wide variety of resources available in many different languages
-these resources are available to you for free
-simply call the program or visit the website
-Go to TellEveryWoman.ca
Available in the following languages: English, French, Cree, Ojibwe, Chinese, German, Hindi, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Amharic, Somali, Swahili, Farsi, Russian, Serbo-Croation, Arabic, Korean, Ukranian, Urdu, Italian, Dinka, Cree Roman.

29.
DVDs and Videos
Explain that:
-we have 2 videos
-they can be found on our website and in libraries across the province
- website: TellEveryWoman.ca, click on the link and then click on the Resources section
-available in 12 languages
Available in the following languages: English, French, Chinese, Cree, Hindi, Ojibwe, Portuguese, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog, Urdu, Vietnamese

30. When was your last Pap test?
When was your last Pap test?
Is it time to have a Pap test?

31. Most cervical cancers can be stopped!!
Remember…
Most cervical cancers can be stopped!!

32. We are here to answer your questions!
We are here to answer your questions!
For more information:
you can call the MCCSP at
or or
visit our website