Cervical cancer is now the fastest-growing cancer in Canada, highlighting a pressing health crisis that demands immediate government intervention. This alarming message was conveyed during a recent press conference held by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada in Ottawa. Despite a federal action plan unveiled in July 2025, which aims to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2040, experts assert that the current strategies are insufficient to combat the rising incidence of this preventable disease.
A Rising Threat
Dr. Shannon Salvador, the president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, underscored the urgency of the situation. “Canada is currently facing a silent national health crisis,” she stated. In 2025, around 1,650 Canadians were diagnosed with cervical cancer, with an estimated 430 fatalities resulting from the disease, which Dr. Salvador described as “avoidable.”
For years, Canada has relied heavily on Papanicolaou (Pap) testing for cervical cancer screening. However, Dr. Salvador pointed out that the nation is witnessing a concerning decline in the uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, which is crucial for preventing many cervical cancer cases.
“The national HPV vaccination completion rate has stagnated at 64 per cent, which is alarmingly below the target required for effective elimination,” she remarked, emphasising that this statistic reflects not just a medical concern but a significant policy failure as well.
The Need for Change
In light of these challenges, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada is advocating for a transformative shift towards HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screening. They recommend the implementation of HPV self-collection kits to facilitate easier access to screening. These self-administered tests allow individuals to collect samples from their own bodies, addressing barriers such as travel difficulties, historical trauma, and a lack of access to healthcare providers.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, HPV testing can be conducted using swabs from either the cervix or vagina, with self-collection options readily available. Dr. Salvador highlighted that these kits could prove vital in bridging the healthcare gap, particularly for those in rural areas and underserved communities.
Addressing Systemic Inequities
Dr. Sarah Kean, provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, further emphasised the need for comprehensive screening across Canada, stating that systemic barriers disproportionately affect Indigenous women, who are diagnosed with cervical cancer at higher rates and often present with more advanced stages of the disease. “This disparity is not due to biological factors but rather to a lack of access to necessary resources, geographic isolation, systemic racism, and the lingering impacts of colonial practices,” she explained.
Kean called for robust and universally accessible HPV screening initiatives, backed by federal legislation to ensure that all provinces and territories adhere to national standards. “Eliminating cervical cancer requires more than updating guidelines; it necessitates a coordinated effort to provide universal access to primary HPV testing,” she urged.
The Financial Burden
Cervical cancer poses a significant financial burden on Canada’s healthcare system, with treatment costs projected to reach $132 million in 2024 alone. In contrast, the estimated cost for screening eligible Canadians over five years stands at $106 million. This stark contrast underscores the imperative of preventative measures in reducing both health disparities and financial strain on the healthcare system.
Recent reports from the Canadian Cancer Society indicate that cervical cancer continues to be a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide, with Canada experiencing a slowdown in progress since the World Health Organization (WHO) launched its global strategy to eliminate the disease. The survival rates also reflect a troubling trend, with a five-year survival rate of only 74 per cent and a ten-year survival rate of 68 per cent.
Why it Matters
The rising rates of cervical cancer in Canada are not just statistics; they represent lives at risk and a public health failure that needs urgent attention. The recommendations from healthcare experts stress the importance of a comprehensive, inclusive approach to screening and vaccination. Addressing these gaps is essential for ensuring equitable healthcare access and ultimately eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat. By prioritising effective policies and resources, Canada can turn the tide on this preventable disease and safeguard the health of its population.
