Providing at-home Pap Tests - QP

CLAUDIA CHENDER: Women and gender-diverse Nova Scotians often can't get the health care they need. Pap smears are recommended every three years to prevent cervical cancer and yet many women miss these important tests leading to late diagnosis because of lack of available care. The good news is there is a simple home test that can take the place of these invasive checkups, save health care time and dollars, and keep women healthy. While people wait for attachment to primary care, will the Premier make these life-saving tests available for Nova Scotians?

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : I want to thank the member for bringing this important issue to the floor. We are looking at those home tests for HPV. The tests really aren't the rate-limiting step. What's really important is that we have a program that wraps around those tests, so similar to other screening programs that we have, if there is a positive test, how do we support women as they move through the system, making sure that they have pathways?

We are looking at a program. It is under development. We're working with some folks in research who want to lead this program. We're certainly supportive of that, but we need to make sure that we have a wholesome and a holistic approach. It's not just the swab. It's how we care for women as they go through that journey. There will be more to say about that.

CLAUDIA CHENDER: I thank the minister for that answer, but we know how to do this. Take-home colon cancer screening is already available in Nova Scotia and has been for some time, saving time and health care dollars. Mostly men are diagnosed with this disease, and these tests have made a real difference for them in early detection. There is no good reason why women and gender-diverse people shouldn't be able to access the same kinds of at-home test for a cancer that targets them. Will the minister commit to taking urgent action to make these tests available? People are diagnosed with cervical cancer in our system every day and they should get the treatment that they need.

MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : As I just said, the test collection is one part of it. If that sample has nowhere to go, does not have the equipment, does not have the staff, does not have the follow-up, it's for nothing.

We are looking at a program. It needs to be comprehensive and holistic. There's nothing worse than having a test or an exam come back and have no avenue to understand how to get the care that you require. We understand this is important. There are clinicians in the system who are looking at this - how to build a comprehensive and holistic approach to women's health to make sure that if and when there is a diagnosis associated with a swab that's done at home, there's a clear pathway for individuals to get the care that they require.