Cervical cancer is surging in Canada, presenting a significant public health challenge that experts warn requires immediate government intervention. During a press conference held in Ottawa by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, healthcare professionals highlighted the alarming trajectory of this disease, which remains a “silent national health crisis.” Despite a federal action plan unveiled in July 2025 aimed at eradicating cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2040, advocates express deep concern over the current state of prevention and treatment.
A Stark Warning from Medical Experts
Dr. Shannon Salvador, the president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, underscored the urgency of the situation. She reported that in 2025, approximately 1,650 Canadians would receive a cervical cancer diagnosis, with 430 expected deaths resulting from the disease—deaths that, she emphasised, are preventable. “Canada is currently grappling with a silent national health crisis,” Dr. Salvador stated. “While we celebrate advancements in medicine, there is a glaring outlier.”
The reliance on Pap tests for cervical cancer screening and the stagnation in the uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine are problematic. Dr. Salvador noted that Canada’s HPV vaccination completion rate is currently at a disheartening 64 per cent, a figure she described as “far below the target needed for elimination.” She pointedly attributed this statistic to a failure of policy, stating, “This is not just a medical failure; it is a policy failure.”
Calls for Comprehensive Screening Solutions
To combat the rising rates of cervical cancer, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada is advocating for a transformative shift towards HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screening. They are also promoting the implementation of HPV self-collection kits, which aim to facilitate easier access to screening for individuals across the country.
Current HPV testing methods involve collecting samples either through a swab from the cervix or the vagina. However, self-administered testing offers a more accessible alternative, allowing individuals to collect samples privately. “These kits remove barriers related to travel, trauma history, cultural marginalisation, and the lack of access to a family physician,” Dr. Salvador explained.
Addressing Disparities in Healthcare Access
Significantly, the issue of cervical cancer disproportionately affects Indigenous women, who are diagnosed at higher rates and often present with more advanced stages of the disease. Dr. Sarah Kean, a provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, highlighted that these disparities are not due to biological differences but stem from systemic barriers, including geographic isolation, racism in healthcare, and poverty.
“We need a robust, accessible HPV screening programme across Canada, backed by federal legislation,” Dr. Kean urged. “This must mean more than just updated guidelines; it requires universal access to primary HPV testing across all provinces and territories, with clear national standards.”
The Economic and Health Implications
The economic burden of cervical cancer on the Canadian healthcare system is substantial. In 2024, costs related to treating cervical cancer reached $132 million, while the projected expense for screening eligible Canadians over five years stands at $106 million.
Despite the introduction of HPV vaccinations and improved screening methods, cervical cancer rates have stagnated. The Canadian Cancer Society recently reported that cervical cancer is the fourth most diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths among females globally. The statistics are sobering: in 2024, an estimated 1,600 women in Canada will be diagnosed, with 400 fatalities anticipated.
Why it Matters
The rising incidence of cervical cancer in Canada highlights a critical gap in public health policy and access to healthcare services. As the nation grapples with this preventable disease, the call for comprehensive screening programmes, equitable access to vaccinations, and targeted interventions for vulnerable populations becomes increasingly urgent. Addressing these issues not only has the potential to save countless lives but also to alleviate the financial burden on the healthcare system, ultimately fostering a healthier future for all Canadians.
