HPV Vaccine Important in Fight Against Cervical Cancer
The availability of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine to Grade 7 girls through the school-based vaccination program is an important tool in the fight against cervical cancer.
This was the message shared today, Oct. 18, with students, teachers and parents at the Northeast Kings Education Centre in Canning, Kings Co., for the launch of Pap Test Awareness Week, Oct. 21 - 27.
Human papilloma virus is from a very common family of viruses spread through skin-to-skin contact and sexual activity. Studies estimate that as many as 75 per cent of sexually active men and women may acquire the virus at some point during their life. Generally, there are no symptoms and the virus clears up by itself but a few types of the virus cause almost all cervical cancers.
Research has shown that the HPV vaccine, when given prior to the onset of sexual activity, provides almost 100 per cent protection against the two types of HPV that cause about 70 per cent of cervical cancers.
"Preventing cancer with a vaccine -- so much is being made possible through research," said Dr. Robert Grimshaw, medical director, Cancer Care Nova Scotia's Cervical Cancer Prevention Program. "The HPV vaccine is proof of this and its availability in Nova Scotia through the school-based vaccination program is great news for young women and everyone who cares for or about them.
"I commend our provincial and federal governments for making this substantial investment in women's health and I encourage parents to have their daughters vaccinated to help protect them against cervical cancer."
The vaccine does not replace the need for regular Pap tests. All women who have ever had sex need regular Pap tests, which can prevent up to 90 per cent of deaths from cervical cancer. In years to come, the HPV vaccine, in combination with regular Pap tests, could make cervical cancer a disease of the past.
"Nova Scotia has unacceptably high rates of cervical cancer. Educating women about the importance of having regular Pap tests is critical," said Barry Barnet, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection.
"Although many women are uncomfortable with the thought of having a Pap test, the need for regular testing can never be ignored, especially as women leave their child-bearing years," said Dr. Don Pugsley, president of Doctors Nova Scotia. "A Pap test takes only a few minutes and could very easily save your life."
Provincial Pap screening guidelines, revised last year, vary between individuals. While all women who have ever had sex need to have regular Pap tests, the frequency depends on a woman's age and her Pap test history. Women are encouraged to speak with their family doctor or health care provider about what regular means for them. They may also call the Cervical Cancer Prevention program at 1-888-480-8588 to find out more about Pap testing, the HPV virus or to request a print out of their Pap test history.
"Women need to make pap tests a part of their routine for healthy living," said Sarah MacDonald, health promotion co-ordinator with the Canadian Cancer Society - Nova Scotia division. "Pap tests are the best way to prevent and detect cervical cancer early and, as women, we need to be diligent about taking charge of our health."
Each year during Pap Test Awareness Week, Cancer Care Nova Scotia's Cervical Cancer Prevention Program partners with community groups and organizations, including the Department of Health, Department of Health Promotion and Protection, Doctors Nova Scotia, the Canadian Cancer Society, Nova Scotia division, and the Nova Scotia College of Laboratory Technologists, to raise awareness about the benefits of regular Pap tests.
Over the next two weeks, information about Pap tests will be shared with women throughout Nova Scotia through print and radio advertisements, and informational brochures.
Cancer Care Nova Scotia's Cervical Cancer Prevention Program is dedicated to reducing the incidence of cervical cancer in Nova Scotia. Strategies are aimed at educating women about the importance of regular Pap tests, and putting measures in place to support women taking appropriate action.
Cancer Care Nova Scotia is a program of the Department of Health, created to reduce the burden of cancer on individuals, families and the health care system through prevention, screening and research. It also aims to lessen the fear of cancer through education and information. Its programs are community centred, compassionate to patients, cost effective and based on sound research.