Labrador-Grenfell Health Partners With PHAC In A Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Study

For Immediate Release
January 7, 2010

(Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL): In collaboration with the Evidence and Risk Assessment Division and the National Microbiology Lab of the Public Health Agency of Canada, Labrador-Grenfell Health is facilitating a study to determine the prevalence of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection and Cervical Dysplasia in women of the Labrador-Grenfell Health region. Other partners in this study are the provincial Public Health Laboratory Division, the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg and local aboriginal organizations, including the Nunatsiavut Government, Innu First Nations and Labrador Métis Nation.“HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide” says Dr. Muna Ar-Rushdi, Labrador-Grenfell Health’s Medical Officer of Health. “Chronic infection with specific strains of HPV is the main risk factor for the development of cervical cancer in women”, she explained. “The regional data we will collect through this study will be very helpful in determining the potential impact of the HPV vaccine program that began a few years ago”.

The HPV Study will be carried out in ten Labrador communities (North and South), including the town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. This will allow for a good cross section of the population to be represented. Testing will be done through anonymous, unlinked lab analysis of Pap test samples taken from women between December 31, 2009 and March 30, 2010. This testing will be done on all Pap test samples, although women can choose to opt-out. All Pap results, including abnormal results positive for HPV and tested for HPV serotype, will be sent to the ordering health professional for follow up with their clients.

The results of the study will supply health providers with information on the type of HPV virus circulating in this region and provide more insight into cervical cancer risks. For women participating in the study, their results and individual information will be beneficial to their physicians in making decisions directly related to their health care management.

Media Contact:

Alison Dower
Regional Director of Communications, Labrador-Grenfell Health
St. Anthony, NL A0K 4S0
Tel: (709) 454-0128 Fax: (709) 454-4952
alison.dower[at]lghealth.ca