Cervical cancer has been labelled the “fastest-rising form of cancer” in Canada, prompting urgent calls from medical professionals for government intervention to address what has been described as a “silent national health crisis.” During a press conference held in Ottawa on Wednesday, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada (GOC) expressed concerns over the lack of progress in combating this preventable disease, despite the federal government’s commitment to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health concern by 2040.
An Alarming Situation
Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, highlighted the troubling statistics surrounding cervical cancer diagnoses and fatalities. In 2025, it is estimated that 1,650 Canadians will receive a cervical cancer diagnosis, with 430 succumbing to the illness—deaths that Dr. Salvador categorically stated are avoidable. “Canada is currently facing a silent national health crisis,” she asserted. “While advancements in modern medicine are commendable, we are falling behind in our response to this disease.”
The reliance on traditional Pap tests for screening has proven inadequate, particularly as HPV vaccination rates stagnate. Currently, just 64 per cent of eligible Canadians have completed the HPV vaccination series, far below the levels necessary for effective disease elimination. “This is not merely a medical failure; it is a policy failure,” Dr. Salvador emphasised, stressing the urgent need for a change in approach.
Need for Innovative Screening Methods
In response to the rising incidence of cervical cancer, GOC is advocating for a significant shift towards HPV DNA testing as the primary method of screening. They propose the introduction of self-collection kits for HPV testing, which would enable individuals to conduct tests from the comfort of their homes. “These kits can eliminate barriers related to travel, trauma history, cultural marginalisation, and difficulties in accessing healthcare providers,” Dr. Salvador explained.
The Canadian Cancer Society supports this initiative, noting that self-administered testing can be performed with a simple vaginal swab, allowing for greater accessibility. The aim is to create a more inclusive screening process, particularly for those in rural, Indigenous, and underserved communities who have historically faced systemic barriers to healthcare.
Disparities in Health Outcomes
Dr. Sarah Kean, provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, underscored the disproportionate impact of cervical cancer on Indigenous women, who are diagnosed at more advanced stages and often face poorer health outcomes. “These disparities are not due to biological differences but are a direct result of barriers such as geographic isolation, systemic racism, and the lingering effects of colonial practices,” she stated.
Kean called for comprehensive, accessible HPV screening across Canada, backed by federal legislation. “Robust HPV screening must encompass universal access to primary HPV testing nationwide, ensuring clear national standards,” she asserted.
Economic Implications
The financial burden of cervical cancer on Canada’s healthcare system is significant. In 2024, the cost of treating cervical cancer is projected to reach $132 million, while screening eligible Canadians could amount to an additional $106 million over a five-year period. With the rising costs associated with treatment, preventative measures become not just a health imperative but also a fiscal necessity.
Despite the World Health Organization’s global initiative to eliminate cervical cancer, a report from the Canadian Cancer Society indicates stagnation in progress, with cervical cancer remaining the fourth most diagnosed cancer among females worldwide. This concerning trend highlights the urgent need for renewed strategies and policies to combat this entirely preventable disease.
Why it Matters
The rising rates of cervical cancer in Canada illustrate a critical gap in the nation’s public health strategy. As healthcare advocates call for a shift towards more effective screening and vaccination methods, it is essential to recognise that cervical cancer is largely preventable. Addressing the systemic barriers faced by vulnerable populations is vital not only for improving health outcomes but also for reducing the economic strain on Canada’s healthcare system. Prioritising innovative screening methods and equitable access to HPV vaccination is essential in the fight against cervical cancer, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of health equity.
