Recent Cancer Screening Among Women: A Critical Evaluation of Why Canadians aren’t Getting Regular Clinical Breast Exams and Pap Tests

Preventive cancer screening is effective for early detection of many cancers, however many Canadians fail to participate in screening programs. This paper critically evaluates the results of an analysis of Canadian Community Health Survey data relating to women‟s cancer screening behaviours. The most commonly reported reasons by Canadian women for not being screened by clinical breast exams (CBE) and Pap tests are discussed in relation to their ability to provide insight into why women do not participate in cancer screening. Limitations of current data on cancer screening behaviours are discussed along with recommendations for their improvement.