Human papillomavirus (HPV) Testing in Alberta

Alberta STE Report written under contract with the Alberta Health Technologies Decision Process (AHTDP).

This report is about testing for Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and can also cause cervical cancer. Cervical screening aims to reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality by detecting precancerous lesions early. Until the recent introduction of liquid-based cervical cytology (LBC) and HPV-DNA testing, conventional cervical cytology (Pap smear) was the only cervical screening test available in Canada. This report provides information on the effectiveness, economics, and social demographic implications of these different screening technologies.

Section Authors

• Section One – Social and System Demographics: Maria Ospina
• Section Two – Technology Effects and Effectiveness: Carmen Moga, Christa Harstall
• Section Three – Economic Evaluation: JoAnn Kingston-Riechers, Anderson Chuck
• Information Specialist: Trish Chatterley