Dr. Meredith Deutsch-Levy went to medical school at McGill University, class of 2001. She did her family practice residency at the Jewish General Hospital and an additional year of training in Palliative Care at the McGill University Health Centre. She has practiced family medicine in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) since 2009. We appreciate Dr. Deutsch-Levy for her contribution on cervical cancer screening initiatives.
What is cervical cancer and who’s most at risk of cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is a cancer that impacts women. It is now understood to be sexually transmitted and caused by a virus. Cervical changes are often asymptomatic and once someone has vaginal bleeding or feels a blockage it is often advanced.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer and how can it be treated?
We can easily screen for this cancer with a quick gynecological exam and a pap smear. With these results, we can catch changes to the cervix before they become cancerous and treat before it becomes cancer. We are also working on the prevention side of this cancer with the HPV vaccine that is administered in conjunction with Public Health to middle school students.
In October 2023, WYR OHT facilitated the informative session focusing on the importance of cervical cancer screening with our community partners, Reena, March Of Dimes Canada, Carefirst Seniors & Community Services Association. Tell us about your role in the Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention Workshop you helped facilitate, and the importance of supporting individuals with cognitive, intellectual and developmental disabilities to get their Pap test through a mobile health unit?
In the Fall of 2023, WYR OHT did a pilot project trying to facilitate cervical cancer screening for people with disabilities who might have obstacles to receiving screening. We did an information session to introduce the concept of screening and had a mobile medical unit equipped for exams that people were able to visit. We followed up with days of scheduled screenings in the wheelchair accessible unit.
