Cervical cancer is rapidly becoming a significant health concern in Canada, with experts labelling it the “fastest-rising form of cancer” in the nation. During a press conference held in Ottawa by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, medical professionals urged the federal government to step up its efforts to combat this “silent national health crisis.” This appeal comes in light of the federal government’s action plan announced in July 2025, which aims to eradicate cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2040.
The Alarming Statistics
Dr. Shannon Salvador, the president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, highlighted the grim statistics surrounding cervical cancer in her address. In 2025, it was projected that around 1,650 Canadians would be diagnosed with the disease, and approximately 430 would succumb to it—deaths that are largely preventable. Dr. Salvador pointed to the reliance on traditional Papanicolaou (Pap) testing and a troubling decline in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates as contributing factors to this crisis.
“The statistics we’re seeing are not merely a failure of medicine; they reflect a fundamental failure of policy,” Dr. Salvador asserted. Currently, the completion rate for the HPV vaccine in Canada stands at a disappointing 64 per cent, far short of the threshold necessary for the elimination of cervical cancer.
Proposed Solutions: A Shift in Screening Practices
In response to these challenges, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada is advocating for a nationwide transition to HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screening. Additionally, they are calling for the introduction of HPV self-collection kits, which would allow individuals to conduct tests in the comfort of their homes. This strategy aims to dismantle barriers to screening, particularly for those in rural, Indigenous, and underserved communities who often face systemic obstacles in accessing healthcare.
Dr. Sarah Kean, who leads the cervical cancer initiative in Manitoba, emphasised the urgent need for these changes, stating, “Indigenous women are diagnosed at higher rates and tend to present with more advanced stages of the disease. These disparities are not biologically determined; they arise from a complex web of social and structural barriers.”
The Economic Implications of Inaction
The financial burden of cervical cancer on the Canadian healthcare system is also significant. The costs associated with treating cervical cancer were estimated to reach $132 million in 2024, while screening eligible Canadians would amount to an additional $106 million over five years. These figures illustrate not just a healthcare challenge but also an economic imperative for action.
The Canadian Cancer Society’s report released in November 2025 indicates that despite commitments from both the Canadian government and the World Health Organization (WHO) to eliminate cervical cancer, progress has stagnated. Cervical cancer remains the fourth most diagnosed cancer among women globally and poses a serious public health challenge in Canada.
Why it Matters
The urgency of addressing cervical cancer in Canada cannot be overstated. This preventable illness not only affects the lives of thousands of women but also strains the healthcare system financially. With the right policies and resources, Canada has the potential to significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer. Advocating for improved screening methods and greater access to preventative measures is crucial for protecting vulnerable populations. As Canada strives to meet its 2040 elimination goal, it is imperative that stakeholders act now to ensure that no one is left behind in this critical public health initiative.
