Cervical cancer is emerging as the most rapidly increasing cancer type in Canada, a trend that health professionals describe as a “silent national health crisis.” This pressing issue was highlighted during a recent press conference held by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada in Ottawa. Despite the Canadian government’s commitment, outlined in a 2025 action plan to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2040, experts argue that more immediate and effective measures are necessary to address this alarming trend.
The Alarming Statistics
Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, expressed concern over the rising incidence of cervical cancer. In 2025, approximately 1,650 Canadians were expected to receive a cervical cancer diagnosis, with around 430 succumbing to the disease—numbers she categorised as “avoidable.” Dr. Salvador emphasised that the current reliance on Pap testing has proven insufficient, particularly in light of the stagnating rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations, which are essential in preventing cervical cancer linked to HPV.
“The statistics we see are not merely a failure in medical practice; they are a failure of policy,” Dr. Salvador stated, underscoring the need for a more robust public health response.
Recommendations for Change
To combat this growing crisis, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada is advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of current screening practices. They propose a national shift towards HPV DNA testing as the primary method for cervical cancer screening. Additionally, they recommend implementing self-collection kits that would empower individuals to perform tests in the comfort of their own homes.
Current protocols involve HPV testing through cervical or vaginal swabs, but self-administered testing is now an option. The Canadian Cancer Society advocates for this shift, noting that self-collection can alleviate barriers faced by many, particularly those in rural, Indigenous, and marginalized communities.
Dr. Sarah Kean, a provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, highlighted the disproportionate impact on Indigenous women, who are diagnosed more frequently and often at later stages of the disease. “This is not a question of biology but of accessibility,” Dr. Kean asserted, pointing to systemic barriers that prevent equitable healthcare access.
The Cost of Inaction
The financial implications of cervical cancer are also significant. The estimated cost of treating cervical cancer in 2024 will reach $132 million, while screening eligible Canadians over five years is projected at $106 million. These figures reflect the urgent need for preventative measures that could potentially save lives and reduce healthcare expenditures.
Dr. Kean reiterated that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, yet progress has stalled. The Canadian Cancer Society’s report from November 2025 indicated that, despite initial declines in cervical cancer rates from 1984 to 2005, the downward trend has sharply diminished, with only a 0.3 per cent annual decrease observed between 2005 and 2021.
A Call for Unified Action
Both the Canadian government and the World Health Organization have pledged to eliminate cervical cancer through a focused strategy centred on vaccination, HPV-based screening, and access to treatment. Dr. Kean noted that while other cancer incidences are decreasing, cervical cancer rates remain stubbornly high, underscoring the urgent need for a unified response.
“Cervical cancer is preventable,” she said. “We must prioritise robust HPV screening and ensure universal access to these services across all provinces and territories.”
Why it Matters
The rising incidence of cervical cancer in Canada presents a critical public health challenge that demands immediate attention. With the potential for effective preventive measures and treatments available, the healthcare system must act decisively to reverse this trend. By prioritising HPV vaccination and enhancing screening accessibility, Canada can move towards a future where cervical cancer is no longer a silent crisis but a preventable disease. The health equity implications are profound, particularly for vulnerable populations, and addressing this issue is essential not merely for individual health but for the collective well-being of Canadian society.
