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By rdnewsNOW staff

New Pilot Project

Alberta government striving to enhance early detection of cervical cancer

Sep 29, 2024 | 1:52 PM

Alberta’s government says it is piloting a project that will allow Albertans to screen themselves for cervical cancer using a take-home kit.

Provincial officials acknowledge, early detection of cancer is crucial to saving lives, and Alberta’s government says it is continuing to prioritize opportunities that make early detection more accessible and convenient. When it comes to cervical cancer, officials note, the majority of cases are preventable with routine screening and treatment.

As part of the Cervical Cancer Screening Program, Alberta’s government, along with partners Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Alberta Precision Labs, has launched a pilot project to look at innovative ways to expand cancer screening opportunities for Albertans. Government officials say the pilot project will invite eligible Albertans to participate, including Indigenous people and individuals living in rural and remote communities.

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

The cervix self-screening test is described as a more predictive test than routine pap testing. Officials say it detects high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), identifying individuals at risk for developing abnormal cervical cells, allowing for early treatment to prevent cancer.

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Officials say the test kits contain the supplies people need to test themselves safely at home or wherever they are most comfortable. After testing, the kits are sent to a lab and results are provided to patients and health care providers.

Government officials say the first 300 kits are currently available for eligible participants at the first pilot project site in Edmonton. Expansion to community partners and rural sites are expected to follow.

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

Provincial officials say this pilot project will help develop effective and sustainable HPV self-sampling strategies for under-screened populations and validate the necessary pathways and protocols for expanding cervical self-screening province-wide.

Alberta government quick facts

• There are about 170 new diagnoses of cervical cancer and 45 deaths due to cervical cancer each year in Alberta.
• More than 99 per cent of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV.
• Only an average of 62 per cent of eligible Albertans were screened for cervical cancer between 2021 and 2023.
• A total of 5,000 kits will be collected over the duration of the pilot project.

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