Moving towards equitable cervical cancer screening for indigenous peoples

Beyond the Screening Test: Building Cervical Cancer Prevention with Indigenous Communities

Cervical cancer is preventable, yet Indigenous communities continue to face unequal access to screening and follow-up care. HPV self-sampling can reduce the need for an initial pelvic examination, offer greater privacy and help reach people who are overdue for screening. It cannot independently address colonisation-related mistrust, transport barriers, unclear results or delays in specialist care. Indigenous leadership, culturally safe communication and coordinated referrals are essential. A community-informed initiative in the Weeneebayko area of Northern Ontario is exploring how self-sampling can fit existing pathways of care.