Cervical cancer is emerging as an alarming public health issue in Canada, with experts declaring it the fastest-growing cancer in the nation. During a press conference on Wednesday, representatives from the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada urged the federal government to take immediate and meaningful action to combat this “silent national health crisis.” This plea comes despite the government’s recent commitment, outlined in a July 2025 action plan, to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat by 2040.
A Growing Concern
Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the Society, expressed serious concern about the rising incidence of cervical cancer. She highlighted that in 2025, approximately 1,650 Canadians were expected to receive a cervical cancer diagnosis, with around 430 fatalities projected—deaths that could largely be prevented. “Canada is currently serving a silent national health crisis,” Dr. Salvador stated, underscoring the disconnect between advancements in medical technology and the reality on the ground.
The reliance on traditional Pap tests has proven inadequate, particularly given the stagnation of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates. Dr. Salvador pointed out that the current completion rate for HPV vaccinations sits at a troubling 64%, far below the necessary threshold for effective disease elimination. “This statistic is not just a medical failure; it is a policy failure,” she lamented, calling for a comprehensive review of health policies related to cervical cancer prevention.
Transforming Screening Practices
In response to these challenges, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology is advocating for a rapid shift towards HPV DNA testing as a primary method for cervical cancer screening. They propose the introduction of self-collection kits that would allow individuals to conduct tests in the comfort of their own homes. This approach aims to remove barriers such as geographical isolation, trauma history, and the lack of access to healthcare providers, which disproportionately affect rural, Indigenous, and underserved communities.
Dr. Sarah Kean, the provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, reiterated the need for accessible screening, noting that Indigenous women are diagnosed at higher rates and often face worse outcomes due to systemic healthcare barriers. “This is not due to biology,” she asserted, stressing that the disparities stem from lack of access and systemic racism in healthcare.
The Financial Burden of Inaction
The financial implications of cervical cancer are significant. In 2024, treatment costs for the disease are projected to be around £132 million for the Canadian healthcare system, with screening eligible Canadians estimated to cost an additional £106 million over five years. These figures underscore the pressing need for preventive measures that can significantly reduce the long-term economic burden on the healthcare system.
Five years after the World Health Organization launched a global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer, the situation in Canada appears to have stagnated. The Canadian Cancer Society’s report reveals that cervical cancer remains the fourth most diagnosed cancer among women and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Alarmingly, cervical cancer rates, which had been on a decline from 1984 to 2005, have effectively plateaued since then.
The Path Forward
Experts assert that a comprehensive approach is essential for the successful elimination of cervical cancer. Dr. Kean emphasised that this must involve not only updated guidelines but also universal access to HPV testing across all provinces and territories. “Robust HPV screening must mean more than just policy updates,” she stated, calling for clear national standards to ensure equitable access to care.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, and the tools necessary for its prevention—vaccines, screening, and treatment—are already available. Yet, the failure to implement effective screening and vaccination programmes has left many vulnerable.
Why it Matters
The growing incidence of cervical cancer in Canada should serve as a clarion call for action. The current trajectory threatens not only the health and lives of countless individuals but also places an unsustainable burden on the healthcare system. By prioritising comprehensive HPV vaccination and screening initiatives, Canada has the opportunity to lead the way in cancer prevention and ultimately eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat. The time for decisive action is now; the health of future generations depends on it.
