A Brampton nurse is raising concerns about the low rates of cervical cancer screening among South Asian women in Peel, highlighting the potential life-threatening consequences of inadequate testing. Despite the importance of regular pap smears in detecting cervical abnormalities early, Brampton’s screening rate is significantly below the provincial target of 80 percent, with only 48 percent of eligible women undergoing testing.
According to reports from Cancer Care Ontario, there has been a decline in testing rates among younger women aged 21 to 24, particularly in Peel’s low-income areas. The situation is exacerbated by a lack of awareness and proactive healthcare seeking behavior among South Asian immigrants, who make up a significant portion of Brampton’s population.
Donna Smith, a registered nurse and women’s health advocate, emphasizes that many South Asian women do not know how to request a pap test, contributing to delayed or missed screenings. Additionally, barriers such as the shortage of family doctors and limited access to healthcare services for those without OHIP further exacerbate the issue.
The lack of screening is especially concerning given that cervical cancer is highly treatable if detected early. However, the absence of designated cancer surgery centers in Brampton adds to the challenges faced by patients requiring specialist care.
The COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted cancer screening programs, leading to delays in testing and diagnosis. Despite efforts to resume screening, women continue to face significant wait times for results, prolonging anxiety and delaying necessary interventions.
Efforts are underway to address these challenges, including the introduction of at-home HPV testing in Ontario in 2025. However, urgent action is needed to raise awareness, improve access to healthcare services, and ensure timely cancer screenings for all women in Peel, particularly those from South Asian communities. Failure to do so could result in preventable deaths and unnecessary suffering due to late-stage cancer diagnoses.