Cervical cancer rate soars among Natives

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The rate of cervical cancer among Native women is six times higher than that of the general female population, says researchers at the University of Manitoba.

Dr. Kue Young said fewer Native women take pap smear tests to detect cervical cancer, which is linked with the sexually transmitted human papilloma virus.

As a result, the disease usually isn't detected in its early stages.

Young, who's with the university's Northern Medical Unit, said different attitudes and practices could be contributing factors.

The University of Manitoba's Dr. Robert Lotocki said a number of factors contribute to fewer Native women having pap tests. These include a lack of education about the procedure itself, poverty and access to health care.