Free cervical cancer screenings for those without primary healthcare providers in Sault

The Sault’s Group Health Centre will be hosting two cervical screening clinics soon with Ontario Health’s new process. Cory Nordstrom has more.

The Group Health Centre (GHC), in partnership with the Algoma Ontario Health Team, is offering free cervical cancer screening clinics for individuals without a primary care provider. The clinics will take place March 21 and March 28, at GHC’s 773 Great Northern Road location.

Appointments are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on both Fridays. The initiative aims to improve access to cervical screening for those who may otherwise face barriers to receiving this essential preventive care.

“Regular cervical screening is essential for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer, yet many individuals face challenges accessing this care,” said Nurse Practitioner Carol McDowell at GHC.

“By hosting these clinics, we’re helping ensure that those without a primary care provider have an opportunity to stay on top of their cervical health.”

The Ontario Cervical Screening Program recommends that anyone with a cervix – including women, transmasculine, and non-binary individuals – who has been sexually active receive a Pap test every three years starting at age 25. A Pap test is considered the most effective method for detecting early cell changes that could lead to cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is highly treatable when caught early. Routine screening helps detect human papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer, as well as abnormal cells before they can develop into cancer. Early detection significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer and improves survival rates.

This year’s clinics will use a newly adopted, more accurate screening method.

“It’s exceptional because HPV testing rules out women who don’t have to be at their physicians worrying about this every year. If the result is negative, you’re reassured for five years,” said McDowell.

Despite the improved testing, McDowell acknowledged that the process remains uncomfortable for many.

“There are very few women who think this is a good thing to come and do. It’s really hard for lots of women, but it is a short process,” she said.

“We make it as good and as easy as possible. It is as private as possible, and really, really important to do, because there may be other things that we find that you just don’t know about.”

Appointments are expected to take approximately 15 minutes.

For more information about cervical cancer screening and eligibility, visit CancerCareOntario.ca.

McDowell also highlighted the importance of the Gardasil vaccine, which prevents HPV and is recommended for anyone aged 9 to 45.

“The other thing that’s been an advancement, that’s been huge, is the Gardasil vaccine,” she said.

“(A) huge improvement because eventually, these kinds of things won’t be as necessary because HPV won’t be causing the problem anymore, because of the vaccine.”

The clinics are targeting individuals aged 25 to 69 who do not have a primary care provider and GHC hoping to build on the success of last year’s clinic, which served 50 patients.

How to Book an Appointment:

• Individuals without a primary care provider can schedule an appointment by calling 705-759-7465.
• GHC patients or those with access to GHC’s Access Care Clinic should contact their healthcare provider’s office directly to book an appointment.
• Community members who have a primary care provider outside of GHC and are due for cervical screening are encouraged to contact their provider’s office to schedule a test.

For additional information about the clinic or other Group Health Centre services, visit their website.