Cancer Awareness

Cervical cancer rates in Canada have stalled, and the Canadian Cancer Society says New Brunswick is falling short on HPV protection.

The warning comes in the society’s latest Canadian Cancer Statistics report, which shows the country may miss its target to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.

Lana Randell, Advocacy Manager for Atlantic Canada, said HPV vaccination rates in New Brunswick are below the 90 per cent level needed to reach that goal.

She said self‑administered HPV tests, planned for introduction in the province’s health plan by 2026, could help increase participation.

“That’s why we’re encouraging the government to offer the self‑administered HPV test to increase participation … we want that cost barrier removed so that everyone has equal access to it,” Randell said

Randell also pointed to the high cost of HPV vaccination outside school programs.

She said the price can range from $590 to $650, depending on the jurisdiction, which creates a significant barrier for families.

“If the government is covering that and removing that cost barrier, they have easy access to getting the HPV vaccination,” she said.

The Canadian Cancer Society is calling on provincial governments to adopt a “once eligible, always eligible” vaccination policy.

Randell said that the approach would allow anyone who missed school‑based programs to receive the vaccine at no cost later in life.

Nationally, the society warns that without stronger vaccination and screening programs, Canada may fall short of its 2040 elimination target.