Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services is announcing the upcoming availability of Pap test clinics across the province. These clinics will be held in the Central and Eastern Zones, with the following dates and locations:
– Friday, September 20, 2024, at the Dr. Hilda Tremblett Wellness Centre in Bonavista. Appointments can be made by calling (709) 468-5176.
– Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the Women’s Health Clinic at the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s. Individuals can book an appointment by calling (709) 777-3018 or (709) 777-7460.
– Friday, October 25, 2024, at the Dr. Y.K. Jeon Kittiwake Health Centre in New-Wes-Valley. Appointments can be made by calling (709) 536-1118.
Additional clinic dates will be provided later.
Appointments will be on a first-come, first-served basis and are available to everyone without the need for a referral from a primary care provider.
A Pap test is a straightforward procedure that assists in the prevention of cervical cancer. The Canadian Cancer Society advises individuals with a cervix who are sexually active to start regular Pap screenings by the age of 21. It is essential for patients to make arrangements for consistent Pap tests and to follow up as necessary, as this testing can detect cell changes prior to cancer development, facilitating prompt treatment.
Following a Pap test, about one in ten individuals may receive an abnormal result. Those with such results will be contacted by a healthcare provider for further discussion about the next steps.
Additionally, individuals can schedule a Pap test at any time during the year by reaching out to their primary healthcare provider or by calling one of the province-wide numbers available on the relevant health services website.