Health officials in Labrador are researching how prevalent human papillomavirus (HPV) is among aboriginal women there.

HPV causes cervical cancer, and previous research has shown that Inuit women have higher rates of the virus.

Now pap test samples from 10 Labrador communities will be sent for special analysis. The Labrador Grenfell health board expects that will lead to better screening programs

"It helps us inform the vaccine program as to what kind of HPV types are in this region, in Labrador, and whether the vaccine is addressing those particular types," said Dr. Muna Ah-Rushdi, the medical officer of health for the region.

Specific strains of HPV are know to cause cancer. The vaccination that is given to girls and young women in Newfoundland and Labrador targets those types of the virus.

Ah-Rushdi said when women go for their regular pap tests they'll be asked if they want the extra analysis.