In 2025, an estimated 1,650 Canadian women were diagnosed with cervical cancer, and about 430 subsequently died from this preventable disease. This month, and beyond, in collaboration with the Women’s Health Research Institute (WHRI), we encourage you to spread awareness on cervical cancer prevention!
Cervical cancer is caused by oncogenic (or cancer causing) types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is very common and over 75% of sexually active individuals will be exposed to HPV at some point. Not all types of HPV lead to cervical cancer—in fact, most infections are harmless and resolve on their own. It is only if a person has a long-term infection with an oncogenic HPV type, that goes undetected, and or is left untreated, when the risk of cervical cancer is increased. The good news is that cervical cancer is an almost entirely preventable cancer!
How can cervical cancer be prevented?
⭐️ Vaccination! Getting vaccinated against HPV before you are exposed to the virus is the best method of prevention. However, even if a person wasn’t vaccinated prior to HPV exposure, they may still benefit from HPV vaccination. The HPV vaccine is safe, and very effective.
⭐️ Screening! Cervical screening is also highly effective at preventing cervical cancer. It involves identifying those at risk for cervical pre-cancer or cancer and subsequently treating lesions before they become invasive cancer.
Interested in learning more?
📘 HPV vaccination in BC: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-library/health-features/get-hpv-vaccine📘 Cervix, Cervical cancer self-screening in BC: https://www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening/cervix
This communication was co-developed in collaboration with the Global Control of HPV Related Diseases and Cancer team.
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