HPV Self-Sampling Among Sex Workers
Dr. Mandana Vahabi | September 26, 2025 12-1pm ET
Cervical cancer is primarily caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and a transition to HPV screening would allow for more accurate detection of the disease and a person’s subsequent cancer risk. With the recent adoption of HPV cancer screening in replacement of traditional pap tests in Ontario, Mandana Vahabi is currently advocating for the inclusion of HPV self-sampling tests as part of the new cancer screening guideline. Many women avoid pap tests for a variety of reasons including lack of knowledge and factors related to sexual violence and trauma, in addition to distrust of health care providers. A self-sample test, done in the privacy of the individual’s own home would greatly empower them. Additionally, the engagement of peers is critical in the inclusion of under screened populations and the uptake of this new method. This webinar will be presented in English.
Learning objectives: 1) Learn about the switch from Pap tests to HPV testing for cervical screening; 2) Understand the role of HPV self-sampling for engaging under- or never screened communities for cervical screening; and 3) Learn about the engagement of peers and communities to increase uptake of HPV self-sampling for cervical screening.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Dr. Mandana Vahabi
Dr. Mandana Vahabi is a Full Professor and Women’s Health Research Chair at the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, and Unity Health Toronto, an ICES Scientist, a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Nursing, and an Adjunct Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University. Her research is centered on promoting equitable access to primary health care, with a strong focus on addressing cancer screening disparities among structurally marginalized populations. Dr. Vahabi collaborates both locally and globally with community stakeholders, leading large, cross-sectoral, and multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement innovative interventions aimed at advancing health equity through socially engaged research and knowledge mobilization. Dr. Vahabi employs a broad range of research methods, including mixed methods and participatory action research.
ABOUT THE MODERATOR: Dr. Anna Yeung
Dr. Anna Yeung is an Adjunct Scientist at the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Unity Health Toronto, and is the Research Program Manager for the Epidemiology of STI Methods and Analysis for inTerventions and Evaluation (ESTIMATE) Lab led by Dr. Ann Burchell. She completed her PhD at the University of Melbourne on the Australian Chlamydia Control Effectiveness Pilot and a postdoc at the University of New South Wales on the Australian Study of Health and Relationships, where she continues as an Associate Investigator on the third wave of the study. Her research focuses on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, and how it intersects with sexual behaviour and delivery of healthcare. Her latest projects are on human papillomavirus and its interactions with people living with or at risk for human immunodeficiency virus, and healthcare delivery for sexual and gender minorities in the primary care setting.
