By Dave Branco

Papapalooza

Papapalooza aims to boost cervical cancer awareness and screening in northern B.C.

Nov 12, 2025 | 2:15 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Though avoidable, hundreds of lives are lost in Canada due to cervical cancer each year. As a result, a dedicated group of medical students in Prince George are leading efforts to raise awareness about the deadly disease.

In Canada, people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 69 are encouraged to get screened every three to five years. These medical students are part of a program called Papapalooza to screen people for invasive cervical cancer.

“Papapalooza is a club put on through UBC. And the whole goal is to try to reduce cervical cancer rates in BC.”

Anika Shelrud

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UBC/UNBC Northern Medical Program Student

Part of the program is to educate people on contracting Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, which is known to cause cervical cancer.

“ So that includes things like using condoms. Any time you’re having any intercourse, and especially if you do have multiple partners. The other thing that you can do is to vaccinate yourself.”

Kristin Genereux

UBC/UNBC Northern Medical Program Student

The province offers free testing, including newer methods like HPV self-screening.

“ New option as of 2024 is the cervical. Self-swab. So basically, you can reach out to BC Cancer or so that’s either by phone or online, and they’re going to send you to your door, a cervical self-swab kit.”

Anika Shelrud

UBC/UNBC Northern Medical Program Student

It’s recommended to start screening for HPV once you hit your mid-20s.

To learn more about the free cervical cancer screening or to schedule a Pap test, visit the BC Cancer website.

Email: Dave.Branco@pattisonmedia.com

TikTok: @DaveBrancoVJ