Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in Canada. The majority of cervical cancers are caused by this infection.

Although the incidence of and mortality due to cervical cancer has declined over the past 30 years, it is estimated that about 1,350 Canadian women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer this year and that there will be nearly 400 deaths. In Saskatchewan between 1996 and 2005, there was an average of 45 new cases of cervical cancer (average age at diagnosis is 49.2 years) and 14 deaths from cervical cancer reported each year.

Both women and men can be affected by HPV infections. Recent studies link HPV to oral, throat, vulva, anal and penile cancers.

Starting in the fall of 2008, the Ministry of Health is introducing a program to provide publicly-funded HPV vaccine to Saskatchewan girls in grade six (and for this year only, grade 7).

As safe and effective new vaccines are approved in Canada, it is important that they be made available to residents in a timely and fair fashion. Public health officials consider the vaccine's effectiveness, the incidence of disease, feasibility of delivery, cost effectiveness, and the duration of effectiveness.

The HPV vaccine has been recommended for girls, before they start having sex, to prevent infection.