Statement from the Minister of Health and the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and the Associate Minister of Health on Human Papillomavirus Prevention Week
Statement
October 3, 2023 | Ottawa, Ontario | Public Health Agency of Canada
One vaccine at a time, we're getting closer to eliminating HPV in Canada. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is estimated to affect more than 75% of sexually active Canadians in their lifetime. Most infections are harmless, but some can lead to genital warts, and in the case of persistent infections, cancers of the cervix, mouth, throat, and genitalia. During HPV Prevention Week, we encourage everyone to talk about and take steps to prevent HPV infections and the cancers that this virus can cause.
One of the most effective ways to prevent genital warts and cancer is through vaccination. The HPV vaccination is recommended for 9 to 14-year-olds as part of their routine vaccinations and is offered at no cost through school-based clinics, public health clinics, or catch-up programs.
We are encouraged by the progress being made to achieve our national target of 90% vaccination among Canadian teenagers by 2025. In 2021, 84% of 14-year-olds were vaccinated, with significant gains in HPV vaccination rates among boys over the previous 2 years. While this goal is in reach, it is important to continue to promote and support HPV vaccination for all children.
In addition to vaccination, there are other ways to prevent HPV-related cancers. This includes early detection, which is becoming more widespread in Canada. We need to continue working to ensure its widespread availability to all Canadians, no matter where they live. Furthermore, routine screening with Pap tests is recommended to detect cervical changes that can lead to cancers early. That is why the Action Plan to Eliminate Cervical Cancer in Canada is working to speed up screening and make it more accessible in order to eliminate cervical cancer in Canada by 2040.
The theme of this year's HPV prevention week, #CANADAvsHPV, underscores Canada's leadership on the global stage. Our country exemplifies how governments, doctors, nurses, public health officials, non-governmental organizations, pharmacists, industry stakeholders, patients, parents, guardians and individuals can all work together to prevent future cancers and diseases.
This week, join us in raising awareness about the risks of HPV, the importance of vaccination and cervical screening to prevent cancer.
The Honourable Mark Holland, P.C., M.P.
The Honourable Ya'ara Saks, P.C., M.P.
Related Links
Vaccines in Canada: Why Meeting our Routine Vaccination Goals Matters
Contacts
Christopher Aoun
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Mark Holland
Minister of Health
613-291-4176
Alexander Fernandes
Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Honourable Ya'ara Saks
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
613-290-0318
Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada
613-957-2983
media@hc-sc.gc.ca
Page details
- Date modified: