March 4 is International Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Awareness Day, led by the International Papillomavirus Society (IPVS).
4 out of 5 Canadians will contract at least 1 type of HPV in their lifetime.
This virus can cause 9 different cancers: cancer of the tonsils, vocal cords, tongue, throat, anus, cervix, vulva, vagina and penis.
The good news is that these cancers can be prevented with an HPV vaccine.
For women and people with a cervix, regular cervical screening (the HPV test or the PAP test) helps detect pre-cancers and offers effective treatment options.
In fact, the HPV vaccine, combined with regular cervical screening, can prevent cervical cancer.
With increased awareness, equitable access to the HPV vaccine, and regular cervical screening, it is possible to eliminate HPV-related cancers and achieve the World Health Organization’s goals for 2030 to eliminate cervical cancer. (É.B./IJL)