OTTAWA, Sept. 26, 2017 /CNW/ - Led by the Federation of Medical Women of Canada (FMWC) and supported by 14 other major health organizations, the world's first national Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Prevention Week — dubbed #CANADAvsHPV for its inaugural year — runs October 1–7, 2017 and will continue to be held the first week of October annually.

"HPV Prevention Week's activities are designed to increase awareness and prevention of an infection that is estimated to affect more than 75% of sexually active men and women in their lifetime, and that can cause six different types of cancer," said Dr. Vivien Brown, Past President, FMWC. "Our vision is to reach every Canadian this October with valuable information that can help protect their loved ones from HPV-related diseases and cancers."

Announced in the House of Commons in Canada's Parliament on May 30, 2017 and receiving bipartisan support, the inaugural HPV Prevention Week aims to encourage public dialogue about the prevention of HPV-related diseases and cancers. The Federation of Medical Women of Canada will campaign nationally and locally using social media, pledge posters in doctors' offices and educational resources to raise awareness about HPV prevention among the public. Numerous organizations will also host educational events for health care professionals throughout the week.

Canadians from all walks of life including patients, doctors, nurses, organizations, public health officials, researchers, experts as well as government and industry are encouraged to engage in the conversation using the campaign hashtags #CANADAvsHPV and #HPVPW17 and encourage others to learn something about HPV.

Made possible through the support of Merck Canada Inc. The opinions expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Merck Canada Inc.

To get involved in #HPVPW17, click here.
For logos, videos and other #HPVPW17 resources, click here.
For quick facts about HPV, click here.
For more detailed information about HPV in Canada, click here.

Available for Interviews:
Dr. Vivien Brown, Past President, FMWC
Local physician spokespeople across Canada
Hon. Peter Kent, HPV-related cancer survivor
Canadian patients and families affected by HPV