The Canadian government has announced a $10 million investment in cervical cancer research.
This funding over 5 years done through the Canadian Institute of Health Research will support national cervical cancer research.
It will be led by world-renowned physician and researcher, Dr. Gina Ogilvie and her team at the Women’s Health Research Institute at BC Women, the BC Elimination of Cervical Cancer Task Force, and her colleagues at the Gynecological Cancer Initiative.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer with early detection and effective management. Yet, in 2017, approximately 1,550 Canadian women were diagnosed with cervical cancer and an estimated 400 died from it.
Today, Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, announced the investment during the Women Deliver 2019 Conference in Vancouver, B.C.
“We know too many cervical cancers are still diagnosed
at the last stage of the disease, and our government is investing in research
to change that says Ms. Taylor. “This funding will support Dr. Gina Ogilvie and
her team at the Women’s Health Research Institute at BC Women’s as they explore
new strategies to better prevent and treat cervical cancer for all Canadians.”
Researchers will study the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and screening
methods and work to implement their findings at a national level, with the goal
of improving the health of Canadians. Their work will contribute to the global
call for action toward the elimination of cervical cancer.
Quick Facts on Cervical Cancer
Statistics on cervical cancer show that the cancer tends to occur in midlife and is most frequently found in women aged 35 to 59.
Immigrants and Indigenous women are at higher risk due to access barriers, lack of awareness, and lack of culturally-safe and client-centred screening programs.
HPV is the cause of the majority of cervical cancers. HPV is so common that the majority of sexually active women get the virus at some point in their lives.
The World Health Organization recently announced that the elimination of cervical cancer is now one of its top priorities.
Over the last five years, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research has invested $18.8 million in cervical cancer research, with overall cancer research investments representing $821 million.
British Columbia has been a world leader in cervical cancer prevention, screening, and treatment for decades. BC Women’s Health Foundation has committed to raising $10 million to create comprehensive vaccine and screening education and awareness campaigns.
