NWT launches self-screening HPV kit mail-out project

The NWT is offering free self-testing kits for the virus that can cause cervical cancer to Beaufort Delta residents by mail.

The territory’s health authority said self-sampling kits for human papillomavirus, or HPV, are being sent to eligible residents in Sachs Harbour and Tsiigehtchic. The program is expected to roll out to all communities in the Beaufort Delta by the end of March 2026.

The health authority announced the launch of the HPV self-sampling mail-out pilot project with the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer in a public notice last week.

“This initiative is grounded in prevention, aiming to increase access to cervical screening and reduce barriers for those in remote communities,” the health authority stated.

“It was developed in collaboration with local Indigenous organizations, ensuring culturally-respectful engagement and community leadership as we collectively work towards eliminating cervical cancer, the fourth most common cancer for women and individuals with a cervix worldwide.”

How the program works

The pilot project, which is expected to extend to other NWT regions, is slated to be complete in March 2027.

It’s unclear how the ongoing Canada Post strike may impact the project.

The kits include an invitation letter, an Evalyn brush for self-sample collection, an instruction pamphlet, and a laboratory requisition form.

People who receive the kits by mail are able to collect a vaginal sample in their home or at their local health centre. They can then return the sample and completed form to their health centre, health cabin or lab for testing.

In communities where the mail-out pilot has not been implemented, people can complete an HPV self-sampling test at their local health centre or primary care clinic.

Jenna Long, the NWT health authority’s acting executive director of clinical integration, told Cabin Radio the HPV test kit is designed for easy self-use.

She said patients who cannot or prefer not to take a self-sample may request that a healthcare provider collect the sample.

“Since the introduction of the HPV testing kits, many patients have noted to healthcare providers that they prefer the self-sampling and are happy with the change,” she said.

People with a cervix aged 25 to 69 – including women, non-binary, two-spirit, transgender or intersex people – are eligible for the program.

The health authority said people with symptoms of cervical cancer who are pregnant or using a pessary – a vaginal support device – should speak to a healthcare provider about whether self-sampling is right for them.

Updated cervical cancer screening guidelines

The NWT government introduced new cervical cancer screening guidelines in April, including changing from Pap tests to HPV tests.

The territory said long-term infections of high-risk types of HPV can lead to cervical cancer and screening can help detect the virus early.

According to the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, HPV tests can detect cervical cancer earlier and more effectively than the Pap test, and can reduce the number of people who get the disease.

HPV testing can also be done less often than a Pap test.

The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer said all Canadian provinces and most territories are planning for HPV primary screening, including switching from Pap tests to HPV tests for cervical cancer screening and exploring self-screening.

Long said Pap tests are still available in the NWT depending on patient comfort or medical need.

Benefits of self-screening

British Columbia launched Canada’s first HPV self-screening program in January 2024.

BC Cancer has said benefits of the program include that people don’t have to see a healthcare provider or have a pelvic exam involving a speculum to get tested. The organization said self-testing, which involves turning a swab inside the vagina, is easy and should not hurt.

The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer said self-screening can improve access for people without a regular healthcare provider, enable culturally safe access to cervical screening, and increase comfort for people with a history of trauma.

For more information about the NWT’s program, to request a self-sampling kit or opt out of the territorial screening program, the health authority recommends emailing the cervical screening program, calling 1-866-313-7989 and selecting option eight, or speaking to a healthcare provider.