Cervical cancer is emerging as the “fastest-rising form of cancer” in Canada, prompting urgent calls for action from health advocates who believe the federal government must intensify efforts to address this growing public health crisis. This message was underscored during a press conference held on Wednesday by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada in Ottawa, which coincided with the government’s recent action plan aimed at eliminating cervical cancer by 2040.
A Silent Health Crisis
Dr. Shannon Salvador, the president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, articulated the gravity of the situation, describing it as a “silent national health crisis.” In her address, she revealed that in 2025, approximately 1,650 Canadians would be diagnosed with cervical cancer, with about 430 expected to succumb to the disease—cases that she insists are preventable. Despite advancements in medical technology, Dr. Salvador pointed out that Canada’s approach has not evolved sufficiently to keep pace with scientific progress.
Currently, the nation’s reliance on Pap testing is becoming increasingly inadequate, compounded by a stagnation in the uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, which is instrumental in preventing many cases of cervical cancer. According to Salvador, the HPV vaccination completion rate has plateaued at 64 per cent, significantly below the threshold needed for effective disease elimination.
“Not only is this a medical failure, but it is also a policy failure,” she stated, calling for immediate action to rectify the situation.
Recommendations for Change
In response to the pressing need for improved screening methods, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada is advocating for a “national shift” towards HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screening. They are also pushing for the implementation of HPV self-collection kits, which would empower individuals to screen themselves in the comfort of their own homes.
The Canadian Cancer Society has noted that self-administered tests allow users to collect samples using a swab from the vagina, making screening more accessible. These kits are seen as a crucial step in removing barriers related to travel, trauma history, cultural marginalisation, and the lack of family doctors—issues particularly affecting individuals in rural, Indigenous, and underserved communities.
Dr. Sarah Kean, who leads cervical cancer initiatives in Manitoba, highlighted the disproportionate impact on Indigenous women, who face higher diagnosis rates and poorer outcomes. “These disparities are not biologically driven; they stem from systemic barriers, geographic isolation, and the lingering effects of colonial practices,” she emphasised.
The Cost of Inaction
The financial implications of cervical cancer are significant. Dr. Salvador indicated that the healthcare system incurred costs of approximately £132 million in 2024 for treating the disease, while screening eligible Canadians is projected to cost £106 million over a five-year period.
Despite a commitment from both Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) to eliminate cervical cancer, recent reports suggest that progress has stalled. A Canadian Cancer Society report released in November 2025 revealed that cervical cancer is now the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer among females globally, with an alarming resurgence in incidence rates after years of decline. Between 1984 and 2005, Canada experienced an annual decrease of 2.2 per cent in cervical cancer rates, but this reduction slowed to merely 0.3 per cent from 2005 to 2021.
The Path Forward
Dr. Kean called for comprehensive and accessible HPV screening nationwide, insisting that it must involve more than just guideline updates. “We need universal access to primary HPV testing across all provinces and territories with clear national standards,” she argued.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and with the right strategies, Canada has the potential to turn the tide. However, immediate and decisive action is essential.
Why it Matters
The rising rates of cervical cancer in Canada are not merely statistics; they represent lives at stake and the urgent need for a revamped healthcare approach. As the country grapples with this alarming trend, it must prioritise equitable access to preventive measures and innovative screening options. This is not just a matter of health policy but a moral imperative to ensure that every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to prevent this disease. The time for change is now, and the health of future generations depends on it.
