Grant: DRA : Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Doctoral Program (CGRS D)

Canada has set a goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040. To achieve this goal, health programs across Canada are moving from Pap test to human papillomavirus (HPV) testing for cervical screening. HPV screening detects cervical precancer earlier and offers longer protection when screening results are normal. Thus, there is a potential for women and individuals with a cervix to safely stop screening at an earlier age to avoid over-screening. However, because HPV screening is a newly implemented method, there is little long-term data in individuals >= 50 years, who are potentially nearing their final screen; the optimal age to safely stop HPV screening is unclear. Goal: This study will generate data-based evidence on the long-term outcomes of HPV screening in individuals >= 50 years to inform the optimal age to stop HPV screening. Research Plan: this study will build on the HPV FOCAL trial (2008-2016), a landmark British Columbia (BC) project which compared HPV screening and Pap test for cervical precancer detection. FOCAL participants who were >=50 years at their first round of HPV screen and received one (N=5,548) or two (N=3,464) rounds of HPV screen will be included and followed for up to 20 years. The long-term risk of cervical precancer after HPV screening will be measured and analyzed to determine when individuals can safely stop HPV screening. Impact: this study will provide critical evidence on the long-term effect of HPV screening for cervical cancer. The findings will guide exit protocols for HPV screening and improve health services to maximize screening benefits.