How genomics is shaping the future of cervical cancer screening

[Content Warning: This episode mentions sexual assault and medical trauma.]

Nearly 80% of people will get Human Papillomavirus (HPV) at some point in their lives. Even though HPV is super common, the symptoms are often subtle or invisible and can sometimes lead to cervical cancer if left undetected. But thanks to new government initiatives like British Columbia’s (BC) self-screening program, cancer testing is levelling up.

In this episode, BC resident Christina Price shares how an easy at-home HPV test helped her catch cancer early. Then, Dr. Aisha Lofters debunks persistent myths about HPV, and explains how these test kits are making screening more accessible, comfortable, and equitable. Join host Dr. Kaylee Byers to find out how this genomic tool is empowering people to take their healthcare into their own hands (literally!), and getting us closer to eliminating cervical cancer for good.

If you, or someone you know needs support, you can call 1-800-563-0808 or find Canada-wide resources right here.

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Highlights:

(4:25 ) Christina talks about the steps that happen after receiving her result from the at home testing kit.

(8:09 ) Dr. Lofters explains what HPV is, the symptoms and what differentiates different strains of HPV.

(15:54 ) Dr. Lofters explains the two different methods for HPV screening

(19:30 ) Dr. Lofters talk about some of the inequities and social barriers people face when finding and accessing healthcare.

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Learn-A-Long: (coming soon)

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Resources:

1. Human papillomavirus - Women's Health

2. Doctors say at-home screening for HPV could be an opportunity to 'eliminate a cancer sooner - CBC News

3. New self-screening program will help detect cervical cancer sooner - BC Gov News

4. Pap test - Canadian Cancer Society

5. When a pelvic exam is traumatic - Harvard Health

6. “Doing it on my own terms”: Transgender and nonbinary adults’ experiences with HPV self-swabbing home testing kits - National Library of Medicine