The prevalence of Human Papillomavirus and its impact on Cervical Dysplasia in northern Canada

Cervical cancer rates are higher among aboriginal populations in Canada. Certain types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are sexually transmitted and highly associated with the development of cervical dysplasia (pre-cancerous condition) and cervical cancer, but their distribution in northern populations is largely unknown. The purposes of this project are to identify the prevalence of type-specific HPV infection and cervical dysplasia, and to determine the impacts of social, demographic, and behavioural factors on HPV infection among women in northern Canada to establish more effective programs for cervical cancer prevention and control.