Unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations | VANCOUVER – A new health campaign from the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) encourages First Nations people in BC to learn more about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. The vaccine can help protect against six types of cancer caused by HPV.
HPV is a common virus. It can cause cancers of the throat and neck, cervix, penis, anus, vulva and vagina. Cervical cancer caused by HPV was the fifth most diagnosed cancer among First Nations people between 2008-2017.
The campaign's theme - “For You, Your Future, Your Community" - focuses on the HPV vaccine as a cancer prevention tool. When given at a young age, the HPV vaccine is over 95 per cent effective at preventing six types of cancer caused by HPV. It is free for youth of all genders across BC and is offered in school starting in Grade 6. The campaign's goal is to encourage First Nations people to make informed decisions about their health and wellness by providing informational resources, a website, and digital and print advertisements across BC.
“The goal of this campaign is to raise awareness about the HPV vaccine, which is a safe and effective tool to prevent cancers caused by the HPV virus," said Dr. Nel Wieman, Chief Medical Officer of the FNHA. The FNHA hopes to empower First Nations parents and youth in British Columbia to make informed decisions about the HPV vaccine, for themselves and for their communities."
“Around the world, countries are seeing the powerful impact of HPV vaccination," said Brittany Deeter, Director of Communicable Disease Population and Public Health, FNHA. “Research shows cervical cancer is being eliminated in vaccinated groups, highlighting the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine and the power of prevention."
FNHA will formally launch the HPV vaccine campaign during National Immunization Awareness Week, which runs April 21 to 30. The annual awareness week highlights the importance of immunization. This year's message is “Don't let history repeat itself. Protect your future. Get immunized."
Learn more about the "For You, Your Future, Your Community" campaign at the website here.
Quick Facts:
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a common virus that can cause six types of cancer including: throat and neck, cervix, penis, anus, vulva and vagina .
- HPV causes around 630,000 cancer diagnoses around the world each year.
- Among First Nations people, cervical cancer caused by HPV was the fifth most diagnosed cancer between 2008-2017. Getting a PAP or cervix self screening are important screening tools for HPV.
- The HPV vaccine is safe. More than 200 million doses of the HPV vaccine have been given safely worldwide. There is over 15 years of data to support the vaccine's safety.
- The HPV vaccine is over 95% effective when given at a young age because they build better immunity and are protected before getting exposed to the virus.
- The HPV vaccine is free for all youth in BC ages 10-18. It is offered in schools starting in Grade 6.
- Even if you missed getting the HPV vaccine when you were young, getting it as an adult still provides crucial protection against cancers caused by HPV. Full eligibility requirements here.
Learn More:
In February 2023, the Ministry of Health launched BC's 10 -Year Cancer Action Plan. The plan is a commitment to British Columbians to deliver the best cancer care where it's needed. A goal of the plan is to eliminate cervical cancer. A key enabler to achieving this goal is reaching a target of 90 per cent HPV vaccination coverage amongst adolescents by 17 years of age. Learn more here.
Indigenous Cancer Strategy
The Indigenous Cancer Strategy is a strategic plan to improve First Nations cancer outcomes and experiences in the province. Its implementation is a key priority for the FNHA and its health system partners. Through HPV immunization amongst First Nations people in BC, FNHA's 2025 HPV Vaccine Campaign will be an important component of the Indigenous Cancer Strategy.
First Nations Health Authority
Media Relations
778-984-5962
media@fnha.ca
BACKGROUNDER
- First Nations people are more likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer, which is primarily caused by HPV.
- 75 percent of Canadians who are sexually active will get HPV in their lifetime if they are not vaccinated. In 2016, the Canadian Cancer Society estimated that nearly 4,400 Canadians will be diagnosed with an HPV-related cancer and about 1,200 Canadians will die from an HPV-related cancer.
- Between 1992 and 2012, HPV-related mouth and throat cancers increased by 56% in men and 17% in women, now making up one-third of all HPV cancers in Canada. HPV is associated with 60 to 73% of oropharyngeal cancers, 90% of anal cancers, 40% of vaginal and vulvar cancers, and 40 to 50% of penile cancers.
