Cervical cancer is emerging as Canada’s most rapidly increasing cancer, highlighting a significant public health crisis that experts are urging the federal government to address with greater urgency. At a press briefing held in Ottawa, representatives from the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada expressed deep concern over the current trajectory of cervical cancer diagnoses and fatalities, especially in light of the government’s commitment to eradicate cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2040.
Alarming Statistics Highlight the Crisis
Dr. Shannon Salvador, the president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, conveyed the gravity of the situation, stating, “Canada is currently serving a silent national health crisis.” She elaborated that in 2025, around 1,650 Canadians would receive a cervical cancer diagnosis, with approximately 430 succumbing to the disease—cases that, according to her, are largely preventable.
Salvador pointed out the shortcomings in Canada’s approach to cervical cancer, noting a heavy reliance on Pap testing and a disappointing uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which is crucial in preventing the types of cervical cancers linked to HPV. “For years, we have relied on PAP testing and our initial enthusiasm for the HPV vaccine, but our policies have not evolved in tandem with scientific advancements,” she remarked.
The Need for Modern Screening Methods
Currently, the uptake of the HPV vaccine stands at a concerning 64 per cent, a rate that falls significantly short of the level required to eliminate cervical cancer, according to Salvador. “This statistic is not just a medical failure; it is a policy failure,” she stressed.
To combat this issue, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology is advocating for an immediate transition to HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screening. They are also calling for the introduction of self-collection kits, which would facilitate screening for individuals who may face barriers to traditional testing methods. The Canadian Cancer Society notes that HPV testing can be conducted using either a swab from the cervix or a self-administered vaginal swab.
Dr. Sarah Kean, the provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, highlighted the importance of self-collection kits, stating that they could significantly reduce barriers for those in rural, Indigenous, and underserved communities. “Indigenous women are diagnosed at higher rates, often with more advanced disease, and face worse outcomes—not due to biology, but because of systemic barriers in healthcare,” she explained.
Addressing Systemic Barriers
Kean further emphasised the need for a comprehensive, accessible HPV screening programme across the nation, backed by robust federal legislation. “Robust HPV screening must mean more than just updating guidelines; it must ensure universal access to primary HPV testing throughout all provinces and territories, with clear national standards,” she asserted.
The financial implications of cervical cancer are also staggering, with treatment costs to the Canadian healthcare system projected to reach CAD 132 million in 2024. Meanwhile, ensuring screening for eligible Canadians would amount to CAD 106 million over a five-year period.
A Global Perspective on Cervical Cancer
Reflecting on the global context, a report released by the Canadian Cancer Society in November 2025 indicated that cervical cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer death among women worldwide. Despite previous declines in cervical cancer rates from 1984 to 2005, the annual decrease has stagnated since then, raising alarm among health advocates and policymakers alike.
Kean pointed out that all other cancers in Canada are on the decline, except for cervical cancer, which is entirely preventable. “Both Canada and the World Health Organization have committed to eliminating cervical cancer, which relies on three pillars: vaccination, HPV-based DNA screening, and access to treatment,” she affirmed.
Why it Matters
The current trajectory of cervical cancer in Canada underscores a pressing need for immediate action from health authorities. As the nation faces a growing public health crisis, it is essential that policymakers prioritise innovative screening methods, enhance access to preventative measures, and dismantle the systemic barriers that hinder vulnerable populations. The implications of inaction not only threaten the health of thousands of Canadians but also reflect broader societal inequities that must be addressed for a healthier future.
