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Women in Canada can now collect their own sample at home for cervical cancer screening
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Women in Canada can now collect their own sample at home for cervical cancer screening

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO, October 29, 2024 /CNW/ — BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), a global leader in medical technologies, today announced Health Canada’s approval of the BD Onclarity HPV Test for virus testing of human papillomavirus (HPV) intended for use on oneself. – vaginal samples at home.

BD announced Health Canada's approval of the BD Onclarity™ HPV Test for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing for use with self-collected at-home vaginal samples.
BD announced Health Canada’s approval of the BD Onclarity HPV Test for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing for use with self-collected at-home vaginal samples.

Self-collected samples offer an alternative to the traditional Pap test performed by a clinician with a speculum, making cervical cancer screening more accessible. Compared to the traditional Pap test, HPV self-collection is less invasive, more cost-effective, and requires less frequent testing, now recommended every five years. The accuracy of self-collection for HPV is on par with clinician-collected samples, making cervical cancer prevention more accessible, particularly to remote, rural and vulnerable populations. This is crucial, given that the incidence of cervical cancer is three times higher in underserved populations in remote communities who have limited access to testing compared to the general population.

“Self-collection is a game-changer for health equity because it eliminates the logistical, financial and psychological barriers that many women face when accessing traditional screening methods,” said Ivy Parkspresident of BD Canada. “By providing a convenient and reliable option for at-home HPV testing, we are not only improving access to care, but also empowering women to take proactive steps in managing their health.” This innovation demonstrates BD’s commitment to breaking down barriers and ensuring that all women, regardless of their circumstances, have the opportunity to protect themselves against cervical cancer.

HPV is widely recognized as the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide, responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancers Canada. With an estimate 16.3 million older women 15 years and over at risk of developing cervical cancer in the country, the The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer recommends that Canada introduce primary HPV screening to replace the Pap test.

In addition to promoting more equitable access to care, the BD Onclarity HPV Assay is the only test authorized by Health Canada that supports self-collection with expanded HPV genotyping to more accurately measure the true risk of woman with precancer and cervical cancer. This approval brings Canada one step closer to achieving the collective goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040 and highlights BD’s commitment to advancing women’s health. Learn more: