Cynthia Cheng Mintz
Everyone knows that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Pink is everywhere and there is a great deal of literature. However, few realize that the final week of October is also cervical cancer awareness week. This cancer is preventable if the right precautions are taken, but still kills some 450 women in Canada each year. Preventions can be made by going to the doctor on a regular basis and getting a Pap test. Younger women under the age of 25 are also highly recommended to get the HPV vaccine. Certain lesions from HPV, or the Human Pappilomavirus can lead to cancer, so this vaccine is highly recommended. For all women, regardless of age, it is very important to have a Pap test on a regular basis. Cervical cancer is one of the leading cancers in women, especially those under 45.
On October 29, 2010, an event at Toronto’s Dundas Square was held not only to give out information about the disease, but to remember the number of women who pass away each year. In addition to information stations, there was live music, as well as manicure and make-up stations. There were also people there handing out teal coloured ribbons (the colour for cervical cancer). More information on cervical cancer can be found here.
