Province launches pilot to provide better and earlier access to cervical cancer screening

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on September 27, 2024.

With roughly 170 new cases of cervical cancer in Alberta each year, the province says it is piloting a new proactive approach to treatment.

As the majority of cases are preventable with routine screening and treatment, Alberta’s government, along with partners Alberta Health Services and Alberta Precision Labs, has launched a pilot project to look at innovative ways to expand cancer screening opportunities for Albertans.

“We know cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable with routine immunization and regular screening, which is why this pilot project is so important. This represents a vital next step towards eliminating cervical cancer altogether,” said Health Minister Adriana LaGrange.

The method in question will come in the form of a cervix self-screening test, which will look for high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), identifying individuals at risk for developing abnormal cervical cells. As more than 99% of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV, this method is more predictive than a routine pap smear and allows for early treatment.

These kits, the first 300 of which are currently available in Edmonton before the project expands to community partners and rural areas, allow for this screening to happen at home or wherever the person feels most comfortable, before being sent off to a lab.

“Self-sampling allows the person to collect their own sample in a location that feels safe and comfortable. HPV self-sampling looks for the virus that causes cervical cancer,” said Dr. Laura McDougall, senior medical officer of health with AHS. “If found early, it can be treated so cervical cancer does not develop.”

A total of 5,000 kits will be collected over the duration of the pilot project.

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