Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). You can get the virus anytime when you're sexually active. Almost 8 out of 10 Canadians will get an HPV infection in their lifetime.
HPV spreads from person to person, though skin-to-skin contact
( penetration is not required) or during genital, anal or oral sex. There is no cure for HPV once you're infected.
HPV is the cause of most cervical cancers. After breast cancer ,cervical cancer is the second highest cause of death in women between the ages of 20 and 44. 1550 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually in Canada, for 400 of those women, it is fatal.
There are 118 different strains of HPV. Most are not harmful. However, 14 HPV genotypes signify high-risk for developing cervical cancer. HPV causes genital warts and can also lead to anal, mouth, penile, vaginal, vulvar and throat cancers.
In most cases, HPV infection has no noticeable signs or symptoms, as a result, you just don't know when you or your partner are infecting ,or being infected by someone else. The body’s immune system destroys the infection within a couple of years. When HPV persists with high-risk strains, there is an increased risk of developing cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer, however, is preventable.
In response to the need for more accessible screening, British Columbia has launched Canada's first HPV self-screening program. This initiative allows women aged 25 to 69 to collect their own samples at home, offering a more comfortable and private alternative to traditional Pap tests. The self-screening test is highly accurate, with a higher sensitivity and negative predictive value than the Pap test, meaning it can more effectively identify individuals at risk of cervical cancer .
There is currently no approved HPV test for men.
How to Access the Self-Screening Kit:
To request a free self-screening kit, visit screeningbc.ca/cervix or call 1-877-702-6566. The kit includes step-by-step instructions and all necessary materials to collect a sample safely and privately.
What to Expect: The self-screening process involves using a swab to collect a sample from the vagina. This method is designed to be easy to use and can be completed in the comfort of your home. Once collected, the sample is mailed to a laboratory for analysis. Results are typically available within a few weeks, and if necessary, follow-up care will be arranged.
Why This Matters: Cervical cancer is largely preventable with regular screening. By participating in the HPV self-screening program, you can take an active role in your health and help detect potential issues early, when they are most treatable.If you have further questions or need assistance with the screening process, please don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider or contact the screening program directly
Gardasil9® is the only HPV vaccine available in Canada. It protects against nine HPV types, seven of which can cause cervical cancer and two that cause genital warts.
If you are already infected with one type, the vaccine still protects against the others.
In BC, the vaccine is provided free to children in Grade 6, and catch-up programs are available for eligible youth and certain high-risk adults up to age 26. It can be given to anyone up to 45 years old through prescription, and older individuals can request it privately.
The cost for those not publicly funded is roughly $190–$225 per dose, with a three-dose series totaling $570–$675.
The vaccine is safe, effective, and most beneficial if given before exposure, but still provides protection when given later. Gardasil9® can be accessed at pharmacies, public health clinics, and some healthcare providers.
