Local Physician Breaking Down Barriers for Women’s Health

Mar 8, 2018 | 12:00 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — A Prince George physician is hoping to provide better access to reproductive care for Indigenous women in Northern BC. This International Women’s Day, Dr. Sheona Mitchell-Foster is speaking out against the barriers women experience in rural and remote communities.

Mitchell-Foster is working with a BC Women’s Hospital program which will soon be rolling out user-friendly kits that allow women to self-test for HPV (human papillomavirus) as well as other sexually transmitted infections without the need for an exam.  

A recent study found a 92 percent higher incidence rate of cervical cancer was observed among First Nations women.

Mitchell-Foster says there remains incredible disparities around the world when it comes to women’s health care.