FMWC HPV Awareness Evening

Left to right: Michelle, Dr. Kathee Andrews, National President, FMWC, Meera Mahendiran, FMWC National Student Representative

On October 1, 2018, FMWC hosted a HPV Awareness Evening for students and community members in the Toronto area. The purpose of the evening was to raise awareness around HPV and to educate people to the incidence of HPV-related cancers. The overall goal is to contribute to the fight to end HPV cancers in Canada for women and men.

Between 35 – 40 people showed up for an informal discussion around how HPV can be prevented. HPV is the most common STI, and can be transmitted via skin-to-skin contact. The HPV vaccination is a key weapon in the fight against HPV and HPV-related cancers. The HPV vaccination is available to both girls and boys in elementary school, but the HPV vaccine is also effective, and recommended, for anyone who is sexually active, not matter what age. The group was a privileged to hear from Michelle, a two-time cervical cancer survivor who shared her story.

Thanks to Dr. Kathee Andrews, FMWC National President for hosting and Meera Mahendiran, FMWC National Student rep for getting word out. And special thanks to Michelle for coming and sharing her personal story with us so that we might learn.