A Montreal physician and researcher says not enough Quebecers are getting vaccinated against HPV. The human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection, affecting three out of four Quebecers. HPV can lead to cervical and other cancers. The number of people with HPV would be lower if the population better understood how to protect themselves, according to Dr. Marc Steben, a board member with the International Human Papillomavirus Society. “We need a clear message. This is a disease that is highly preventable by vaccine and screening. We should be at the forefront of access to screening and vaccination,” he said. Steben called it a “strong reminder” that investing in cervical cancer prevention might be one of the most important investments.“Because in 20 years, we may have made so much progress that cervical cancer will become so rare that screening will stop,” he said. “We’ll continue the vaccine, of course, for the young people.”
