HPV

The goal of the BC HPV Research Group is world-class translational research in the understanding and prevention of HPV disease, and ultimately the elimination of cervical cancer in B.C.

Our Goals

Starting in 2005, a group of clinicians, epidemiologists, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and geneticists convened to plan for the province-wide distribution of the HPV vaccine in BC. The BC HPV Research Group evolved from these initial strategic planning meetings, as with increased collaboration between individuals came a growing awareness of the number of investigators in BC tackling research questions involving HPV disease and prevention. Although initially an informal assemblage of researchers with common interests who recognized the need for better coordination of the cross pillar and multidisciplinary HPV research occurring in BC, the group has evolved into an internationally renowned collective of more than 40 researchers, clinicians, stakeholders, and policymakers, who have made significant contributions to the understanding of HPV, and the prevention of cervical cancer. The goal of the BC HPV Research Group is world-class translational research in the understanding and prevention of HPV disease, and ultimately the elimination of cervical cancer in B.C.

Why is this a womens health research priority?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, and is most frequently seen in people under the age of 25, typically acquired soon after sexual debut. There are more than 100 subtypes of HPV, and those identified as high-risk (i.e. HPV-16/-18) are associated with the development of cervical, anogenital and certain head/neck cancers. The most prevalent of these HPV-related cancers is invasive carcinoma of the cervix: In 2005, approximately 1 million women were diagnosed with cervical cancer, and more than 250,000 women died from the disease worldwide. Although on average only 40 cervical cancer deaths are reported each year in BC, approximately 100 times as many cases of abnormal or precancerous cells are detected early and treated via the organized cervical cytology screening program coordinated by the BC Cancer Agency (e.g. Pap tests).

BC HPV Research Group Details

HPV Study Websites

BC-HPV Research Group News