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B.C. Cancer Agency reminds women to get Pap test

Sixty-six women aged 21 to 69 are getting a regular Pap check up, according to B.C. Statistics.

The B.C. cancer agency is reminding women to get their biennial Pap test, with only 66 per cent of women across the province getting a regular checkup.

According to the B.C. Cancer Agency, women between the ages of 21 and 69 should get a free Pap test every two years to detect and prevent cervical cancer. The checkup can detect precancerous cells which if treated early, can stop cancer from developing, but according to B.C. Statistics, 34 per cent of women are not getting tested regularly.

Forty-two per cent of 176 patients diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2012 were overdue for screening by five years or more, or had never been screened at all.

The tests can be done by doctors, registered nurses, midwives and naturopathic physicians. Patients can find a clinic that provides a free Pap test by visiting www.screeningbc.ca/cervic.