Cervical cancer has emerged as the fastest-growing cancer in Canada, prompting urgent calls from healthcare professionals for enhanced government intervention. At a press conference held on Wednesday, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada (SGO) highlighted the daunting reality of this “silent national health crisis,” despite the federal government’s commitment to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2040.
A Growing Concern
Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the SGO, expressed alarm at the current trajectory of cervical cancer cases in Canada. In 2025, it is estimated that 1,650 Canadians will receive a cervical cancer diagnosis, with 430 fatalities anticipated—deaths that Dr. Salvador insists are largely preventable.
“Our reliance on traditional Pap tests and the stagnation in HPV vaccination rates illustrate a concerning gap in our healthcare strategy,” Dr. Salvador remarked. The national vaccination completion rate for HPV currently hovers around 64 per cent, a figure well below the threshold necessary for effective cancer elimination.
Need for Comprehensive Screening
To combat this rising trend, the SGO advocates for a fundamental shift in cervical cancer screening practices. They propose the immediate adoption of HPV DNA testing as a primary screening method and the rollout of HPV self-collection kits. These kits would empower individuals to collect samples from the comfort of their homes, thereby reducing barriers associated with accessing healthcare services.
The Canadian Cancer Society notes that HPV testing can be conducted via a swab from either the cervix or vagina, highlighting the feasibility of self-administered testing. Dr. Salvador emphasised the importance of these kits, especially for those facing logistical challenges that complicate access to clinics, including historical trauma, cultural marginalisation, and the absence of a family physician.
Disparities in Health Outcomes
Dr. Sarah Kean, who leads cervical cancer initiatives in Manitoba, pointed out that Indigenous women experience disproportionately high rates of cervical cancer, often diagnosed at more advanced stages. She attributes these disparities not to biological factors but to systemic issues, including healthcare accessibility challenges, geographic isolation, and the persistent effects of colonialism.
“Indigenous communities have been systematically underserved, leading to poorer health outcomes. We must dismantle these barriers to create equitable access to screening resources,” Dr. Kean stated. She called for robust legislative support to ensure that primary HPV testing becomes universally available across all provinces and territories.
The Economic Burden
The financial implications of cervical cancer are also significant. In 2024, the Canadian healthcare system is projected to spend $132 million on treating the disease. In comparison, screening eligible Canadians would incur an estimated cost of $106 million over five years. These figures underscore the need for preventative measures to alleviate future healthcare expenditures.
Despite the World Health Organization’s global strategy aimed at eliminating cervical cancer, recent reports by the Canadian Cancer Society reveal that progress has stagnated. Cervical cancer now ranks as the fourth most diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, with 1,600 cases and 400 deaths projected in Canada in 2024.
Why it Matters
The rising incidence of cervical cancer in Canada serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for an enhanced public health strategy. As healthcare professionals advocate for immediate action, it is essential that policymakers respond with effective measures to ensure equitable access to screening and vaccination. Addressing this health crisis not only has the potential to save lives but also to significantly reduce the future economic burden on the healthcare system. The time for action is now; we must work collectively to ensure that cervical cancer becomes a thing of the past.
