January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month – a time to highlight the importance of prevention and early detection of cervical cancer. Regular screening tests, such as Pap and HPV tests, can detect cervical abnormalities earlier, increasing the chances of successful treatment. With cervical screening guidelines set to be updated in 2025, it’s vital to stay informed about your eligibility. For more details, visit Cancer Care Ontario.

If you don’t have a family doctor, CarePoint Health can help. They provide cervical cancer screening services to residents of Mississauga, offering Pap tests and other cancer surveillance testing, such as breast and colon cancer screening. This ensures equitable access to essential care. Learn more or book your appointment by visiting the CarePoint Health Cancer Screening Clinic.

Addressing Barriers for Queer Women, Racialized Women, and Black Women

While cervical cancer is a preventable disease, some groups face significant barriers to accessing screening and prevention services. Queer women, racialized women, and Black women are disproportionately affected by inequities in healthcare. Understanding these challenges is critical to ensuring everyone can benefit from early detection.

Queer Women

Queer women, including lesbian and bisexual individuals, are often overlooked in cervical cancer awareness campaigns due to the misconception that they are at lower risk if they do not have sex with men. However, the human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer, can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, including same-sex sexual activity. Research shows that lesbian women are less likely to undergo regular cervical screening due to discrimination or discomfort during medical appointments. Health providers must create inclusive environments to ensure equitable care. (Source: The National LGBT Cancer Network, 2023)

Racialized Women

Systemic racism and healthcare disparities often limit access to preventive services for racialized women. Language barriers, cultural stigmas, and socioeconomic challenges can hinder their ability to seek regular Pap and HPV testing. Studies show that immigrant women and women from South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American backgrounds have lower screening rates than their white counterparts. Outreach and education tailored to specific cultural needs are essential to closing this gap. (Source: Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, 2021)

Black Women

Black women experience higher rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality compared to other racial groups. Factors contributing to this disparity include reduced access to healthcare, implicit bias in medical settings, and lack of awareness about screening. A 2020 study by the American Cancer Society found that Black women are often diagnosed at later stages, leading to poorer outcomes. Initiatives like community-led workshops and partnerships with Black healthcare providers can help improve screening rates in this population. (Source: American Cancer Society, 2020)

Take Action Today

Cervical cancer screening saves lives, but only if everyone has access to it. By addressing barriers and ensuring equitable care, we can work towards reducing cervical cancer disparities across all communities. This Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, make your health a priority—schedule your screening and encourage others to do the same.