Cervical cancer is rapidly becoming a significant health concern in Canada, with alarming rates of diagnosis and mortality. During a press conference in Ottawa, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada (GOC) highlighted the pressing need for the federal government to ramp up its efforts in addressing what they describe as a “silent national health crisis.” Despite a national action plan unveiled in July 2025 aimed at eradicating cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2040, experts argue that current policies and practices are not meeting the urgent needs of Canadians.
A Growing Health Emergency
Dr. Shannon Salvador, President of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, articulated the gravity of the situation, stating that approximately 1,650 Canadians are expected to be diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2025, with 430 fatalities that could be avoided. “Canada is currently facing a silent national health crisis,” Dr. Salvador declared, emphasising the need for immediate intervention.
Historically, Canada has depended heavily on Papanicolaou (Pap) tests for cervical cancer screening. However, Dr. Salvador pointed out that the country is now experiencing significant setbacks, as the uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine remains insufficient. Currently, the national completion rate for the HPV vaccine is stagnating at 64 per cent, a figure she described as “far below the target needed for elimination.” This statistic reflects not just a failure in medical interventions but also a failure in policy initiatives.
The Call for Enhanced Screening Methods
In response to these setbacks, the Society of GOC is urging a national transition towards using HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screenings. They advocate for the implementation of self-collection kits, which would allow individuals to take samples in the comfort of their own homes. This shift could remove significant barriers faced by those in rural, Indigenous, and underserved communities who often lack access to healthcare services.
Dr. Sarah Kean, cervical cancer lead in Manitoba, stressed the need for systemic change, asserting that Indigenous women, in particular, face disproportionately high rates of cervical cancer due to geographical isolation, systemic racism, and socioeconomic challenges. “This is not due to biology; it is due to barriers that prevent access to necessary screenings,” she noted. The call for a robust, accessible HPV screening programme across Canada is vital to ensure that no one falls through the cracks of the healthcare system.
Financial Implications and Future Directions
The financial burden of treating cervical cancer is also significant, with costs projected to reach $132 million in 2024. In contrast, implementing comprehensive screening for all eligible Canadians would require an investment of $106 million over five years. Given that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, experts argue that investing in prevention is not only a moral obligation but a fiscal necessity.
While cervical cancer rates had been on a decline until 2005, recent data indicates that this trend has stagnated, with the Canadian Cancer Society reporting a decline in annual rates from 2.2 per cent to a mere 0.3 per cent between 2005 and 2021. This stagnation underscores the importance of revisiting and revamping public health strategies to address cervical cancer more effectively.
Why it Matters
The rising incidence of cervical cancer in Canada highlights a critical failure in public health policy and healthcare access. With effective vaccination and screening strategies, this disease is largely preventable. Urgent action is needed to modernise our approach to cervical cancer prevention, particularly for vulnerable populations facing systemic barriers. By prioritising comprehensive healthcare reforms, Canada can turn the tide against this preventable disease, ensuring equitable access to life-saving interventions for all Canadians.
