Programme Focus:
Working Together to Prevent Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in women worldwide and the third most frequent cancer in women during their child bearing years (ages 20 to 49). The family of human papilloma viruses (HPV) are the most common viruses in the world today.

There is conclusive evidence that specific strains of HPV are the major risk factor leading to cervical cancer. Approximately 80% of women will contract HPV during their lifetime. HPV is also responsible for most abnormal Pap smears, and fifty percent of the Canadian women diagnosed with cervical cancer annually have not had regular Pap smear screening. With the advent of the HPV vaccine, it is now possible to move from early diagnosis and secondary prevention to true prevention.

Find out about new technological and medical advances in screening, treatment and prevention of cervical cancer. After 50 years, is the Pap test - every woman’s favorite annual outing - a procedure of the past?