Cervical cancer has emerged as the “fastest-rising form of cancer” in Canada, prompting urgent calls from medical professionals for the federal government to intensify efforts to combat this public health threat. During a press conference held in Ottawa on Wednesday, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada (GOC) highlighted the critical situation, even as the federal government announced a strategic plan in July 2025 aimed at eradicating cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2040.
A Silent Health Emergency
Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the GOC, articulated the gravity of the situation, stating that Canada is grappling with a “silent national health crisis.” Despite significant advancements in healthcare, she noted that an estimated 1,650 Canadians were diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2025, with 430 succumbing to the disease—cases that could largely be prevented.
Dr. Salvador pointed out that the country has overly relied on Pap smears for screening while witnessing stagnation in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates. “We have relied on Pap testing for years, and while initial enthusiasm for the HPV vaccine surged in the mid-2000s, our policies have not evolved alongside scientific advancements,” she remarked.
The Need for Modern Screening Techniques
Currently, Canada’s HPV vaccination completion rate stands at a concerning 64 per cent, a figure Dr. Salvador described as “far below the target necessary for elimination.” She asserted that this statistic represents not just a healthcare shortfall, but a significant policy failure.
In response to these alarming trends, the GOC has proposed an “immediate, national shift” towards HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screening. They are advocating for the implementation of self-collection kits, enabling individuals to conduct screenings from the comfort of their own homes. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, these self-administered tests involve collecting a small sample from the vagina using a swab, making it more accessible for those who might face barriers to traditional screening methods.
Addressing Inequities in Healthcare Access
Dr. Salvador emphasised that these kits could eliminate obstacles related to travel, trauma histories, cultural marginalisation, and the lack of family doctors. The healthcare system has long exhibited a “health gender gap,” particularly impacting individuals in rural, Indigenous, and underserved communities who are often overlooked.
Dr. Sarah Kean, a provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, highlighted the disproportionate rates of diagnosis and advanced disease among Indigenous women. “This disparity is not rooted in biology,” she stated, “but in systemic barriers, limited access to screening resources, geographic isolation, and the lingering effects of colonial practices.” Kean called for robust, accessible HPV screening across Canada, urging federal legislation to ensure universal access to primary HPV testing with established national standards.
Economic Implications of Cervical Cancer
The financial burden of cervical cancer on the Canadian healthcare system is significant, with treatment costs projected to reach CAD 132 million in 2024. Meanwhile, it would cost CAD 106 million to screen eligible Canadians over a five-year period. These figures underscore the pressing need for a proactive approach to prevent the disease before it necessitates costly interventions.
The Canadian Cancer Society has reported that cervical cancer remains the “fourth most diagnosed cancer and fourth leading cause of cancer death among females worldwide.” Alarmingly, while the rates of other cancers are generally declining, cervical cancer continues to rise, defying the global strategy initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) aimed at its elimination.
Why it Matters
The rise in cervical cancer cases in Canada is not merely a statistic; it represents a profound public health failure that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. The call for enhanced screening methods and equitable access to healthcare is not just about reducing numbers—it’s about saving lives. As Canada grapples with this urgent issue, it is imperative that policymakers align with medical experts to innovate solutions, ensuring that the progress made in cancer prevention and treatment is accessible to all Canadians, particularly those most at risk.
