CIUSSS offers free PAP test clinics or Cervical Cancer Awareness Week

As part of National Cervical Cancer Awareness Week, October 15 to 19, the Obstetrics and Gynecology Team at the CIUSSS of Estrie - CHUS is offering women in the region the opportunity to come for a free screening test for precancerous lesions (PAP test). Women aged 21 to 69, whose last exam was more than 2 years ago, can make an appointment now.

In 2017, 1,550 Canadian women were diagnosed with cervical cancer and nearly 400 died from the disease. "Screening is a great way to prevent cancer of the cervix. Detecting precancerous lesions early enough allows for the necessary follow-up to prevent the development of cancer," said Dr. Sophie Desindes, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

In the majority of cases, the development of cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted during sexual intercourse. At the clinics, it will be possible for people between the ages of nine and 45 to obtain free information and a doctor's prescription for the HPV vaccine. However, even women vaccinated against HPV still need to have a regular Pap smear.

How to make an appointment?

Screening clinics are available at the Fleurimont Hospital Gynecology Clinic and at the 24-Juin Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic by appointment only. Physicians responsible for screening clinics will be accompanied by gynecology residents and specialized nurse practitioners.

The clinic hours are:

Fleurimont Gynecology Clinic Tuesday, Oct. 16, 1 to 8 pm. Wednesday Oct. 17: 7 to 9 a.m. and 1 to 8 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 18: 8 a.m. to noon. and 5 to 5 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 19: 8 am to noon, 1 to 5 p.m.

Clinique d'obstétrique et de gynécologie 24-Juin

Tuesday, Oct. 16: 8 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, Oct. 17: 1 to 5 p.m To make an appointment, call: (819) 563-2027