A recent press conference held by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada in Ottawa has revealed alarming statistics about cervical cancer, which is now recognised as the fastest-increasing cancer in the nation. Despite the federal government’s commitment, through a July 2025 action plan, to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2040, healthcare professionals are stressing the urgency of reform to combat what they deem a “silent national health crisis”.
A Disturbing Trend
Dr. Shannon Salvador, the society’s president, expressed grave concerns regarding the current state of cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment in Canada. She noted that in 2025, approximately 1,650 Canadians would receive a cervical cancer diagnosis, with an estimated 430 fatalities from the disease—numbers that Dr. Salvador insists are largely preventable.
While advancements in medical technology have been celebrated, she pointed out a significant disconnect in policy and practice. “Canada is currently serving a silent national health crisis,” Dr. Salvador stated. “Our initial enthusiasm for the HPV vaccine, which debuted in the mid-2000s, has not translated into effective national policy.”
The HPV Vaccine Gap
One of the major obstacles identified by experts is the stagnation in the completion rates for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which currently stands at a concerning 64 per cent—far below the target necessary for the elimination of cervical cancer. Dr. Salvador firmly labelled this statistic as “not just a medical failure, it is a policy failure.”
In light of these issues, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada is advocating for immediate shifts in cervical cancer screening methods, recommending the adoption of HPV DNA testing and the introduction of self-collection kits. Self-administered tests can empower individuals to conduct screenings in the comfort of their homes, thereby removing barriers related to travel, past trauma, and access to healthcare professionals.
Addressing Health Disparities
The call for reform is particularly urgent for Indigenous women, who are diagnosed at higher rates and often face more advanced stages of the disease. Dr. Sarah Kean, the provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, highlighted how systemic barriers, including geographic isolation and ongoing impacts of colonial practices, have exacerbated health disparities. “This is not due to biology,” Dr. Kean asserted, “but to barriers in access to screening resources and systemic racism within healthcare.”
Dr. Kean advocated for a comprehensive approach to HPV screening across Canada, insisting on universal access to primary HPV testing and the establishment of clear national standards. “Robust HPV screening must mean more than updating guidelines,” she remarked; it must ensure equitable access for all Canadians.
Financial Implications
The financial burden of cervical cancer on the Canadian healthcare system is also noteworthy. Dr. Salvador indicated that the costs associated with treating cervical cancer were projected to reach $132 million in 2024, while screening eligible Canadians would amount to an additional $106 million over a five-year span.
As cervical cancer rates rise, it is critical to understand the broader implications of this preventable disease. The Canadian Cancer Society has noted that cervical cancer is the fourth most diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among females globally. Despite a historical decline in incidence rates from 1984 to 2005, progress has stagnated since then, with only a marginal annual decrease observed.
Why it Matters
The rising incidence of cervical cancer in Canada should be a wake-up call for policymakers and health officials alike. The combination of preventable measures, such as vaccination and early screening, presents a unique opportunity to alter the trajectory of this disease. With the potential for significant health improvements and cost savings, addressing this “silent crisis” is not only a moral imperative, but also a necessary step towards achieving health equity for all Canadians, especially those from marginalised communities. The time to act is now, as inaction not only endangers lives but perpetuates systemic inequities within the healthcare system.
