Victoria father shares story of how daughter died of HPV-related cervical cancer

Island Health is sharing the story of James Spack, who lost his 28-year-old daughter Sydney to human papillomavirus (HPV) related cervical cancer in the hopes that more people will get vaccinated against the preventable viral infection. 

Back in 2020, James’ daughter told him that she had cancer which changed his world forever. 

Given that March 4th is International HPV Awareness Day, James is turning his, and his family’s grief into action by urging parents and guardians to get their children vaccinated against HPV.

HPV is a virus that sometimes leads to several types of cancer, including penile, throat and cervical cancers, as it did with Sydney.  

James says his daughter hadn’t been feeling well for several weeks following a trip. She was then diagnosed with cervical cancer in January 2019, after the cancer had already spread.

“There is no way to describe the shock to your system, the moment you hear those terrible words from your child,” said James.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, around 75% of sexually active people without the HPV vaccination will get an HPV infection at some point in their lives. 

They added that while most infections clear on their own, some can become cancerous and deadly. 

“From the moment of her diagnosis to the day she passed, she endured 15 months of chemotherapy and radiation, and constant pain as the cancer spread throughout her body and into her bones,” said James.  

“As her caregiver, I shared every moment of discomfort with her. It was a challenge and a lasting image I will never forget.”

“Our lives will never be the same. I have lost a daughter. A sister to my oldest daughter is gone. My grandson has lost an aunt,” he added. 

HPV infection is a preventable viral infection often transmitted sexually. 

Island Health says that in 2023, 57% of children in Grade 6 were immunized for HPV and nurses are actively visiting schools throughout the region offering the vaccine as part of the routine provincial program for children in Grade 6, as well as to those in Grade 11 and 12 in an effort to boost immunization rates. 

By offering the vaccine to children, BC’s youth can be immunized before they turn 19-years-old when the cost of the vaccine is not covered.

James wants to make sure that no other parent lives with regret by missing the opportunity to protect a child by having them vaccinated. 

“You don’t want to be a parent living with the regret that you could have done something,” he said. 

“Please, get your child vaccinated. Protect them for life.”

Island Health provides the vaccine for free for youth ages between 9 and 18-years-old.

Students who miss the immunization clinics at school can get immunized at participating pharmacies, public health units, primary care providers, community health centres and travel clinics. 

According to Island Health, two doses are currently recommended for 9 to 14-year-olds and three doses are recommended for ages 15 and older.