Café Scientifique: A Discussion on HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention

Welcome to Cafe Scientifique: A Discussion on HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention!

Join us for an engaging and informative evening at our inaugural Café Scientifique event as we explore the future of cervical cancer prevention with leading experts including Dr. Gina Ogilvie, Laurie Smith, and their team. This event will focus on Canada’s goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, made possible through the application of current medical knowledge and public health strategies. This event is co-hosted by the UBC Cancer Prevention Research Cluster and the Canadian Cancer Society.

We will discuss how cervical cancer is largely preventable, with an emphasis on the evidence supporting the advantages of HPV testing compared to traditional PAP testing for early detection of cervical pre-cancer. While PAP testing has been an effective screening tool for decades, new research shows that HPV testing can detect pre-cancerous cells earlier and more accurately, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. In addition, HPV testing opens the door to new and innovative approaches to how people can access cervical screening.

The event will also highlight the critical role of vaccination against HPV in preventing cervical cancer. With the widespread use of the HPV vaccine, we are seeing significant reductions in HPV-related cancers, particularly cervical cancer, offering a path toward complete elimination. We will further outline the challenges faced in reaching this goal, from barriers in health care delivery to public uptake of screening and vaccination programs. We will discuss how the healthcare system has adapted, working within policy frameworks to improve access to both HPV screening and vaccination.

This Café Scientifique event is open to everyone interested in learning more about preventing cancer. Bring your curiosity and questions, and join the conversation about how we can achieve a future without cervical cancer.

Host or Publisher Cancer Prevention Research Cluster