What is HPV?
HPV is a common virus that spreads through sexual contact.
While most HPV infections will resolve over time, in the short term they can cause genital warts.
The long-term risk after an HPV infection, which may be years, or even decades later, include greater risk of cancers. HPV causes over 95% of cervical cancers and can also lead to throat, penis, mouth, vagina, vulva and anal cancer as well as genital warts.
Without vaccination, approximately 75% of people in Canada will have an HPV infection in their lifetime.
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Preventing HPV
Although HPV is extremely common and transmissible, it is also preventable. By preventing HPV with vaccination and early detection through screening tests, BC hopes to eliminate cervical cancer in the next decade.
The HPV vaccine is safe and effective. When given at a young age, the HPV vaccine is nearly 100% effective at preventing infection of the most common types of HPV that can cause cancer or genital warts.
Benefits of getting the HPV vaccine include:
- Helps protect against cancers of the cervix, throat, penis, mouth, vagina, vulva and anus;
- Protects you against genital warts;
- This vaccine is safe with millions of doses administered worldwide; and
- Increased vaccination rates help to protect others.
More than 9 of every 10 cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV. Almost all cervical cancer can be prevented by HPV vaccination.
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The HPV vaccine is routinely given in grade 6 so that children are protected before they are exposed to HPV. Given this, parents and guardians with grade 6 age children are encouraged to have their children vaccinate d against HPV.
Eligible youth who miss out on the vaccine in grade 6 can get it for free before they turn 19. The HPV vaccine is also free for certain groups who are older than 19.
For more information on the HPV vaccine and eligibility criteria, please visit Immunize BC .
Cervical cancer screening
Cervical cancer screening is an important part of health care for people who have a cervix. Screening means checking for disease before there are symptoms when it is usually easier to treat.
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There are two options for cervical cancer screening:
Cervix self-screening test
Cervix self-screening is a new way to screen for cervical cancer that can be done wherever you feel safe and comfortable, such as in your home or at a health care provider's office. It is recommended for people with a cervix between 25-69 years of age every five years if negative for HPV.
Call 1-877-702-6566 or visit screeningbc.ca/cervix to request a kit in the mail. You can also connect with a health care provider about picking up a test kit.
Pap smear/test
Pap tests can be done by a doctor, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, midwife or naturopathic doctor at their office or clinic. They are recommended to people with a cervix between 25-69 years of age every three years.
Call 1-800-739-7367 or visit screeningbc.ca/cervix to find a health care clinic that accepts patients for Pap tests.
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