Cervical Cancer and HPV Vaccine Information in Canada

Cancer, the most feared among all disease condition in the world. An abnormal / uncontrolled growth of cells in any organ of the body is called cancer. Cervical cancer is the second most common form of cancer after breast cancer.

Epidemiology in Canada

Globally 16 women in every 100,000 get affected by Cervical cancer and which causes death in about 9 per 100,000 women annually.

In Canada, the scenario looks no better; one woman a day dies of cervical cancer, and four others are diagnosed with the disease. Health statistics reveal 400 to 500 women each year are treated for pre-cancerous changes to the cervix. With the sex ratio of 1.01 male(s)/female, women in reproductive age constitute a major chunk in population. As cervical cancer affects the women of reproductive age, combating the disease condition remains a major health issue.

Cervical cancer can be treated by surgery, chemotherapy and radiation depending on the cancers stage. The untreated cancer can become malignant and spread to adjacent organs.

What is HPV?

Cervical cancer affects cervix, an organ that joins uterus to vagina. It has a very gradual onset and may take years to become symptomatic. In advance stages, it may manifest as vaginal bleeding and pain.

The etiology of cervical cancer is not well understood, however, evidence support the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in causing cervical cancer. It is sexually transmitted and the presence of the virus can be confirmed by a test called, Pap smear, wherein cells from cervix are scraped and visualized under microscope. The test can identify the HPV, even in asymptomatic women.

Cervical cancer can be treated by surgery, chemotherapy and radiation depending upon the stage of the cancer. The untreated cancer can become malignant and spread to adjacent organs.

The Health ministry is very optimistic about the HPV Vaccination program and expects encouraging results.

Vaccine against HPV in Canada

Worldwide, research is being conducted to prevent cervical cancer. Some researchers feel that preventing the infection of HPV may decrease the incidence of cervical cancer. Based on this fact, a vaccine against HPV has been developed.

Government of Canada has taken a bold step in an effort to combat cervical cancer in Canada. Currently Government has sanctioned $300 million to fund vaccination programs against cervical cancer, across Canada. The Vaccine is expensive and costs $140 per shot; altogether three shots are needed for desired effect.

This decision of the Government got mixed response from the people. Healthcare professionals consider it as major advance in female sexual health, while on the other hand concerned authorities are still debating about teen sexuality, gender equality and cancer.

It is recommended that girls are immunized against HPV before they are sexually active. It is the best time when the vaccination would be most effective. In concordance, the HPV Vaccination Program is targeting the school girls between nine to thirteen years of age, extending the Program to women up to 26 years of age. The aim is to prevent HPV infection and its spread as cancer.

The Health ministry is very optimistic about the HPV Vaccination program and expects encouraging results.

Locating a Gyno in your City

Visit to following links to locate a gynecologist in Canada.

- Toronto
- Montreal
- Vancouver
- Calgary