Cervical cancer is increasingly being recognised as a pressing health issue in Canada, with health experts labelling it a “silent national health crisis.” At a recent press conference held in Ottawa by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, specialists underscored the urgent need for enhanced government intervention to address this alarming trend. This call to action comes in the wake of a federal action plan released in July 2025, which aimed to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2040.
A Growing Concern
Dr. Shannon Salvador, the president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, voiced her concerns about the state of cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment in the country. “Canada is currently serving a silent national health crisis,” she stated. She highlighted that approximately 1,650 Canadians were diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2025, with an estimated 430 succumbing to the disease—cases that are largely preventable.
Dr. Salvador pointed to the reliance on Pap testing and the stagnation of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates as significant setbacks. Currently, the national completion rate for the HPV vaccine stands at only 64 per cent, a figure she described as “far below the target needed for elimination.” She categorically stated, “This statistic is not just a medical failure; it is a policy failure.”
A Shift in Screening Methods
In response to these challenges, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada is advocating for an immediate transition to HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screening. They are also recommending the implementation of HPV self-collection kits to help facilitate easier screening processes. These self-administered tests enable individuals to collect samples from home, thereby reducing barriers related to access and transportation, particularly for those in rural, Indigenous, and underserved communities.
Dr. Sarah Kean, provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, highlighted the disparities faced by Indigenous women, who are diagnosed at higher rates and often at more advanced stages. She emphasised that these issues stem not from biology but from systemic barriers, including geographic isolation and inequitable access to healthcare resources. “Indigenous women experience worse outcomes not due to biology, but due to a lack of access and systemic issues within the healthcare system,” she explained.
The Financial Impact
Beyond the human cost, the financial implications of cervical cancer are significant. Dr. Salvador noted that the treatment costs for cervical cancer alone amounted to approximately $132 million in 2024. In contrast, screening eligible Canadians would cost around $106 million over a five-year period, highlighting the economic burden of inaction.
The Canadian Cancer Society’s report indicates that cervical cancer remains the fourth most diagnosed cancer among females globally, with a five-year survival rate of 74 per cent. Alarmingly, while other cancers are seeing a decline in incidence rates, cervical cancer remains a stubborn outlier.
The Need for Comprehensive Reform
Dr. Kean urged the Canadian government to enact robust legislation that ensures universal access to HPV screening across all provinces and territories. “Robust HPV screening must mean more than just updating guidelines; it requires clear national standards and equitable access for all Canadians,” she asserted.
As we mark five years since the World Health Organization introduced its global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer, it is evident that Canada’s progress has stalled. With cervical cancer being one of the most preventable cancers, the need for immediate and comprehensive action is more critical than ever.
Why it Matters
The rising rates of cervical cancer in Canada reflect a broader systemic failure that jeopardises the health of vulnerable populations. Addressing these disparities is not just a matter of improving healthcare access; it is a moral imperative. As experts call for urgent reforms in screening and vaccination policies, the implications for public health are profound, underscoring the necessity for a united effort to combat this preventable disease. The time for decisive action is now, as every delay may cost lives.
