Statement from Cynthia Morton, CEO, Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, in support of the World Health Organization’s official launch of the cervical cancer elimination strategy

Tuesday, November 17, 2020 – (Toronto, Canada) – Today, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (the Partnership) is proud to celebrate the formal launch of the global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer by publicly releasing the Action Plan for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Canada, 2020–2030. Canada is part of a worldwide movement to eliminate cervical cancer and advance women’s health. In 2018, the World Health Organization set the goal to eliminate cervical cancer worldwide this century and in 2019 Canada’s Minister of Health committed the country to achieving this.

Every year, more than 1,300 people in Canada are diagnosed with and 400 die from cervical cancer. Canada has set the goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040: an ambitious target, but an achievable one. Cervical cancer is highly preventable and curable. We have the proven HPV vaccine. We know which screening approaches are most effective in reaching those who are underserviced. We have engaged partners from across Canada to design the way forward.

The Partnership has taken leadership to develop the Action Plan for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Canada, 2020–2030, which is the result of an intensive and broadly collaborative process—an effort that culminated with a summit of 100 partners on World Cancer Day 2020.

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The Partnership’s CEO, Cynthia Morton

“Cervical cancer can only be eliminated if everyone in Canada has equitable access to the highest quality prevention and care. The Action Plan is focused on equity, and was co-created with First Nations, Inuit and Métis to reflect self-determined priorities for cervical cancer elimination.”

The 2019-2029 Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control is a 10-year roadmap to improve equity in the cancer system and to deliver world-class cancer care to everyone in Canada, while focusing on a sustainable healthcare system for the future. Among the Strategy’s eight priorities is a focus on decreasing the risk of people getting cancer, including eliminating cervical cancer. The Partnership is the steward of the Strategy.

To mark this historic global commitment to eliminate a cancer for the first time, Canadian landmarks will be illuminated in teal, the blue-green colour for cervical cancer, including the CN Tower, the 3D Toronto Sign, Niagara Falls, Calgary Tower, BC Place and Canada Place Sails of Light.

Find out more about Canada’s strategy to end cervical cancer.

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For further information, please contact:

Email: media@partnershipagainstcancer.ca
Mobile: 647-242-1053