KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Health and Wellness says it will be increasing its outreach programmes to build awareness on cervical cancer.

According to a release, Minister of State in the Ministry, Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, said the message and benefits of early screening for the disease will be ramped up, outside of the periods particularly earmarked for observation.

“We have touched some people… . Just speaking with them and bringing this kind of awareness is important,” she said indicating that the Ministry will definitely start some work to bring more awareness, not just during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month but to “have it done continuously” and increase the number of women doing the health check.

While stating that the screening is “very accessible” through the public health system for people who want to do their regular checks, Cuthbert-Flynn said efforts are being made to cut the waiting time for results.

“We are urging people to get their pap smear done at least every year… because it is so important,” she said, noting that cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Jamaican women.

She wants to “make sure that we are speaking with young people, and to let them be more aware of what they should do about cervical cancer and to get their pap smear done,” she stated.

The State Minister’s words came after dialogue with women at the Half- Way-Tree Transport Centre in St Andrew on Monday as part of activities to observe Pap Smear Week, which began on April 24 and will run until April 30.