ortality and incidence rates of cervical cancer have fallen steadily since pap screening began in Canada, but in recent years these rates have reached a plateau. Every day in Canada at least one woman dies of cervical cancer and another four are diagnosed, making new strategies a must.

Recognizing the root
Several types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are known to be cancer producing or oncogenic and are responsible for cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancers, at an estimated $270 million yearly* to the health care system.

Most women don’t realize that HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection, affecting 550,000 Canadians annually. As many as 80% of adult women will be infected with HPV in their lifetime, 50% of which include an oncogenic strain. (*from hpvinfo.ca)

Protective action
Every year, 325,000 abnormal pap test results require investigation and often, treatment. Yet, 15% of women have never been screened and 30% have not been screened in the last three years. Pap tests are critical for early detection, but do not prevent cervical cancer. Screening does not detect all pre-cancerous cervical cells or cancer; 20% of cases go undiagnosed.

Two vaccines offer protection from the most common oncogenic HPV strain. Clinical trials have shown that the vaccination along with regular pap tests (after two normal paps, continue