On Sept. 25, N.W.T.’s health authority announced the launch of a human papilloma virus (HPV) self-sampling mail-out pilot project, but with the Canada Post strike announced the same day, it was unclear how the launch of the pilot would move forward.
Catherine Dixon, Territorial Manager of Cancer Care at N.W.T.’s Health and Social Services Authority, told True North FM today that the pilot project unfortunately remains on hold as the postal strike continues into its second week now.
Dixon said the pilot project will resume when Canada postal services resume but, in the meantime, the kits will continue to be available at health centres and primary care clinics in the territory.
“The disruption to Canada Post services means we cannot mail eligible individuals cervical self-screening kits, reminder letters, and result letters at this time. These items will be mailed once postal services resume,” said Dixon.
Clients using the kits will still be able to access results from self-sampling.
“In the interim, results received back from the self-sampling pilot during this service disruption will be communicated back to residents by phone, said Dixon.
The pilot project was focussed on the Beaufort Delta region, with self-sampling kits initially being sent to eligible residents in the hamlets of Sachs Harbour and Tsiigehtchic.
The health authority together with the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer is continuing to oversee the project as part of Canada’s cancer prevention measures and a goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.
The health authority said that the initiative allows eligible individuals to perform a “quick and easy” HPV self-sampling test in the comfort of their own home, or at their local health centre.
The health authority explained that eligible individuals include women, non-binary, Two-Spirit, transgender, or intersex individuals aged 25-69 years old who have a cervix.
The HPV self-sampling kits contain an invitation letter, an Evalyn Brush for self-sample collection, an instructional pamphlet, and a laboratory requisition form.
“This initiative is grounded in prevention, aiming to increase access to cervical screening and reduce barriers for those in remote communities,” said representatives with the health authority in an announcement.
Research has shown that most cervical cancers are caused by HPV, which means screening for the virus early can help prevent cancer.
Cervical cancer is considered the fourth-most common cancer for women and individuals with a cervix worldwide.
The pilot project was originally scheduled to be complete in March 2027, but it is unclear if the postal strike will affect the pilot completion date.
It was initially anticipated the program would be available to all communities in the region by March, but it is unclear if the postal strike might affect that goal.
“At this time we do not expect the Canada Post service interruption to significantly impact original plans to roll out the HPV self-sampling mail-out initiative to all Beaufort Delta communities by March 2026 or to complete the pilot as planned by March 2027. This could be subject to change, however, should the service interruption continue long-term,” said Dixon.
The health authority encouraged anyone who would like more information about HPV, cervical cancer, or screening information to visit NTHSSA – Cervical Cancer Screening.
 self-sampling mail-out pilot project. With the Canada Post strike announced the same day, it was unclear how the mailouts kits would work. Catherine Dixon, Territorial Manager of Cancer Care at N.W.T.'s Health and Social Services Authority, told True North FM today that the pilot project unfortunately remains on hold as the postal strike continues into its second week now.){kind=link}