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Cervical cancer is increasingly becoming a pressing public health concern in Canada, described as the “fastest-rising form of cancer” and a “silent national health crisis.” This alarming assertion was made during a press conference held by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada in Ottawa, where experts urged the federal government to intensify efforts to combat the disease. Their remarks come in light of a government action plan introduced in July 2025, which aims to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2040. However, healthcare professionals argue that the current measures are insufficient to address the growing crisis.
Escalating Statistics and Challenges
Dr. Shannon Salvador, the president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, highlighted the stark reality of cervical cancer in Canada. In 2025 alone, approximately 1,650 Canadians are expected to receive a cervical cancer diagnosis, with around 430 fatalities anticipated—deaths that could potentially be avoided. “While we celebrate advancements in medical science, we must face the troubling outlier that is cervical cancer,” stated Dr. Salvador, emphasising the urgent need for action.
A significant concern raised by Dr. Salvador is the stagnant HPV vaccination rates across the nation. Currently, the completion rate for the HPV vaccine stands at a mere 64 per cent, a figure she described as “well below the target necessary for elimination.” This situation is not merely a medical oversight but a glaring policy shortcoming that requires immediate rectification.
Need for Innovative Screening Solutions
To effectively combat this growing threat, the Society is advocating for a national transition to HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screening. They are also recommending the implementation of HPV self-collection kits to facilitate more accessible screening options. Traditionally, HPV testing has involved swabs taken from the cervix or vagina, but self-administered testing could significantly remove barriers for many individuals.
These at-home swabs are designed to mitigate obstacles such as geographic isolation, lack of access to healthcare providers, and historical trauma that may deter individuals, particularly in rural, Indigenous, and underserved communities, from seeking screening. Dr. Kean noted that Indigenous women, in particular, face higher diagnosis rates and poorer outcomes, a situation attributed to systemic barriers rather than biological factors.
“Robust access to HPV screening across Canada is essential,” Dr. Kean asserted. “This must include universal access to primary HPV testing across all provinces and territories, accompanied by clear national standards.”
Economic Implications and Health Outcomes
Financially, the burden of cervical cancer on the Canadian healthcare system is staggering. In 2024, the cost of treating the disease is projected at $132 million, while screening eligible Canadians is estimated to require an investment of $106 million over five years. These figures underscore the economic imperative to address cervical cancer proactively rather than reactively.
While cervical cancer has historically shown a decline in rates—experiencing an annual decrease of 2.2 per cent between 1984 and 2005—recent trends indicate a stagnation in progress. Between 2005 and 2021, the annual decrease slowed to just 0.3 per cent, raising alarms among health advocates.
Cervical cancer remains the fourth most diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death among women globally. In Canada, it is projected that 1,600 women will be diagnosed in 2024, with 400 succumbing to the disease. These figures highlight not only the urgency of the situation but also the need for a comprehensive response that includes vaccination, improved screening, and treatment access.
Why it Matters
The rise of cervical cancer in Canada is not just a statistic; it is a call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities alike. With the means available to prevent and treat this largely avoidable disease, the current trajectory is unacceptable. As voices like Dr. Salvador and Dr. Kean resonate across the country, it becomes imperative for the federal government to mobilise resources and implement robust policies that ensure every Canadian has access to the tools necessary for prevention and early detection. Addressing this public health crisis is not merely a healthcare obligation; it is a moral imperative that impacts the lives of countless women and their families across the nation.
