Background

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus that can cause genital warts.

When certain types of HPV are present for a long time, they can cause cervical cancer in some women.

Cervical cancer is a disease that can be prevented by early detection with the Pap test and appropriate treatment.

HPV is estimated to cause about 99 per cent of cervical cancers.

Purpose of This Study

The purpose of this study is to find out how prevalent HPV infections are in Yukon women.

The information collected in this three-year study can be used to develop effective cancer screening and prevention programs for Yukon women.

It will also help us understand whether some life habits increase the chance of getting the infection.

What’s involved?

An extra swab while the doctor is giving you your routine pap test, followed by a simple questionnaire.

It’s easy and you would be contributing to the well-being of all Yukon women.

To participate simply mention the HPV study when you book your appointment.

All community health centres and the following Whitehorse medical clinics are participating: Whitehorse Medical Services, River Valley Medical, Taiga Medical, Mina North Drop-in Clinic, Aurora Clinic and Kwanlin Dun Health Centre.

When does the study end?

The study ends on June 30, 2010.

For more information

  Contact Shawn O’Donovan
  Yukon HPV Research Coordinator
  Phone: 867-667-5771 (1-800-661-0408 ext. 5771 toll-free in Yukon)

Review documents for study participants.

• HPV Study - Survey Participant Information [ 368 KB ]
• HPV Study - Five-Point Q&A [ 169 KB ]