The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer says that cervical cancer could be eliminated by 2040 through a continued focus on HPV screening and vaccination.

Dr. Craig Earle, who is the CEO of the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, says that almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by chronic infection with HPV.

He urges the public to do their part to prevent the spread of HPV and, as a result, cervical cancer.

“If you’re eligible for the vaccine, get vaccinated. make sure that you’re up to date with cervical screening, whether it’s by the pap or once HPV becomes available. The pap test is still an excellent test and has saved countless lives, so make sure that you’re up to date with that.”

Currently HPV is screened through a pap test, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer says that a shift to HPV testing would increase the number of women being screened.

Dr. Earle says HPV screening can be self administered with a long cotton swab, making it a more equitable test method.

“If you’re someone who doesn’t have a family doctor, you could still be screened in this way, if you live in a remote community, it can be sent in the mail and sent back. There’s some cultural groups for whom an internal examination might be problematic, or for women who have suffered sexual trauma.”

He adds that this would be the first time a cancer has been eliminated, and adds that more cancers caused by HPV could also be eliminated.

“It also causes anal cancer, other genital cancers, and about 50 per cent of head and neck cancers. Through vaccination, we also expect those other cancers would be potentially eliminated, and in the case of head and neck cancers, greatly reduced by eliminating this underlying cause.”

Dr. Earle says that sustained efforts from governments, such as making HPV primary screening available by 2035, will be essential in getting rid of cervical cancer.