Cervical cancer is emerging as Canada’s “fastest-rising form of cancer,” prompting urgent calls from health professionals for the federal government to intensify its efforts to combat this growing health crisis. The Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada (GOC) voiced their concerns during a press conference in Ottawa, particularly in light of the federal government’s recent action plan aimed at eliminating cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2040. Despite these long-term goals, the current situation reveals a pressing need for immediate intervention.
A Silent Health Crisis
Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the GOC, highlighted the alarming statistics surrounding cervical cancer in Canada. In 2025, approximately 1,650 Canadians were expected to receive a diagnosis, with 430 succumbing to the disease—cases that, according to Salvador, are largely preventable. “Canada is currently facing a silent national health crisis,” she stated, emphasising that while advancements in medical technology are celebrated, the rates of cervical cancer continue to rise due to inadequacies in screening and vaccination efforts.
Salvador pointed out that the nation has largely depended on traditional Pap testing methods, while the uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has plateaued at a concerning 64%. This figure falls significantly short of the vaccination rates necessary to eliminate the disease. “This statistic is not just a medical failure; it is a policy failure,” she asserted, underscoring the need for a comprehensive review of current health strategies.
Shifting the Screening Paradigm
In light of these challenges, the GOC has called for a transformative approach to cervical cancer screening, advocating for a national shift towards HPV DNA testing. They propose the implementation of HPV self-collection kits, which would empower individuals to conduct screenings at home, thereby reducing barriers such as geographical isolation, cultural marginalisation, and the lack of available healthcare providers.
The Canadian Cancer Society supports this approach, stating that self-administered testing can be done by collecting a small sample from the vagina using a swab. Salvador noted that these home-based kits could significantly improve accessibility, especially for those in rural, Indigenous, and underserved communities who have historically struggled to receive adequate healthcare. “Indigenous women are diagnosed at higher rates and with more advanced disease, experiencing worse outcomes—not due to biology, but because of systemic inequities,” explained Dr. Sarah Kean, provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba.
A Call for Universal Access
To combat the rising incidence of cervical cancer, Kean emphasised the necessity for robust and accessible HPV screening across Canada, advocating for federal legislation to support this initiative. “Robust HPV screening must mean universal access to primary HPV testing across all provinces and territories with clear national standards,” she articulated, stressing that the fight against cervical cancer requires more than just updated guidelines; it demands comprehensive, equitable access to necessary health services.
The economic implications of cervical cancer are also significant. Salvador highlighted that the costs incurred by the Canadian healthcare system for treating cervical cancer reached CAD 132 million in 2024, while screening eligible populations would incur an estimated CAD 106 million over the next five years. These figures highlight the urgent need for strategic investment in prevention and early detection efforts.
A Global Perspective
Despite Canada’s commitment to eliminating cervical cancer, a report from the Canadian Cancer Society suggests that progress has stagnated. The report indicates that cervical cancer remains the fourth most diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among females globally. Projections for 2024 suggest that around 1,600 Canadian women will receive a diagnosis, with 400 fatalities attributed to the disease.
Between 1984 and 2005, Canada had seen a decline in cervical cancer rates, averaging 2.2% annually. However, from 2005 to 2021, this decline slowed dramatically, with only a 0.3% average annual decrease. This stagnation serves as a stark reminder that, while advancements in treatment and prevention exist, a failure to adapt policies and approaches to modern realities could have devastating consequences.
Why it Matters
The escalating rates of cervical cancer in Canada expose critical gaps in public health policy and underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive national strategy focused on prevention and early detection. With cervical cancer being one of the most preventable cancers, the time for action is now. Without significant changes to screening practices, vaccination efforts, and equitable access to healthcare, the country risks losing ground in the fight against a disease that should be largely preventable. As we stand at this crossroads, it is imperative that all stakeholders—government, healthcare providers, and communities—collaborate to forge a path forward that prioritises women’s health and equality in healthcare access.
