If caught early, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. While Pap tests have dramatically reduced cervical cancer deaths for many years, they are no longer the most effective tool for cervical cancer prevention. Screening for cancer-causing types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) – the main cause of cervical cancer – offers an innovative and effective approach to moving us closer to eliminating cervical cancer in BC.
BC has been a leader in cervical cancer research for decades. The journey began with a commitment from BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre in 2005, to provide seed funding to support Dr. Ogilvie’s work involving self-screening for cervical cancer. This was followed by a long-term commitment to research, with landmark large clinical trials for HPV screening and pilot programs involving self-screening. Years of dedication and innovation led to BC becoming the first province in Canada to offer free provincewide cervix self-screening kits as part of the provincial transition to HPV primary screening. Compared to Pap screening, which identifies changes to the cells of the cervix after they have occurred, HPV testing detects the presence of HPV and identifies those at risk of having cervical precancer or cancer earlier and better than the Pap test does. HPV testing can be done by either a provider or collected by the person undergoing screening themselves. This empowers the individual and increases accessibility and reach of cervical screening. This is especially important for those who have not historically accessed screening with the Pap test due to various barriers. This rollout marks a major step in the fight to eliminate cervical cancer in British Columbia.
Dr. Gina Ogilvie, Associate Director, Women’s Health Research Institute
“With the distribution of these kits, we’re taking the next major leap forward to reducing the incidence of cervical cancer, and ultimately eliminating it altogether,” said Dr. Gina Ogilvie, Associate Director of the Women’s Health Research Institute. Dr. Ogilvie is a globally recognized leader in the field of women’s reproductive and sexual health, with a particular expertise in cervical cancer prevention.
“The transition to HPV testing as a primary screening for cervical cancer is supported by rigorous evidence,” said Dr. Ogilvie. “Randomized trials, including a major trial led here in BC with over 20,000 women showed HPV-based screening is more effective at identifying those with precancerous lesions compared to conventional cytology or pap smears.”
“I’m delighted about the rollout of the self-screening program provincewide,” said Dr. Ogilvie. “It’s a huge step forward and especially important for those most vulnerable. I’m excited that British Columbia is at the forefront of research and initiatives to eradicate cervical cancer in the next few years.”
The transition to HPV primary screening in BC is a significant part of BC’s 10-Year Cancer Care Action Plan. Research and innovation have made this advancement in women’s health possible – and with further investment in women’s health research, we have the potential to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer in BC.
