Cervical cancer, now identified as the fastest-growing cancer in Canada, is emerging as a silent health crisis that demands immediate attention from the federal government. This urgent appeal was articulated during a press conference held by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada in Ottawa. Despite the government’s 2025 action plan aimed at eradicating cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2040, medical professionals warn that significant gaps in prevention and screening persist.
Alarming Statistics Highlight the Crisis
Dr. Shannon Salvador, President of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, highlighted the sobering statistics: in 2025, approximately 1,650 Canadians will be diagnosed with cervical cancer, with 430 expected fatalities. “This is a disease that is avoidable,” Dr. Salvador stated emphatically.
She pointed out that, despite advancements in medical technology, Canada is lagging in the effective implementation of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations and overly reliant on traditional Pap tests. “The HPV vaccine was initially met with enthusiasm upon its introduction in the mid-2000s, but our policies have failed to keep pace with scientific advancements,” she noted.
Currently, the national uptake of the HPV vaccine is stagnant at 64 per cent, a figure Dr. Salvador described as “far below the threshold necessary for effective elimination.” She characterised this situation as not merely a medical oversight but a significant policy failure.
A Call for Innovative Screening Methods
In light of these challenges, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada is proposing a national transition towards HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screening. They advocate for the implementation of HPV self-collection kits, which would facilitate easier access to screening.
These self-administered tests allow individuals to collect samples from the vagina using a swab, making the process more accessible, especially for those facing barriers such as travel issues, historical trauma, or lack of a family physician. “We need to break down the barriers that have historically prevented people, particularly those in rural, Indigenous, and underserved communities, from accessing vital healthcare resources,” Dr. Salvador explained.
Dr. Sarah Kean, the provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, echoed these sentiments. She emphasised that Indigenous women, in particular, experience higher diagnosis rates at more advanced stages and often face poorer outcomes. “This disparity is not rooted in biology but in systemic barriers, including geographic isolation and pervasive racism within the healthcare system,” she stated.
The Financial Implications of Inaction
The financial burden of cervical cancer on the Canadian healthcare system is substantial. Dr. Salvador revealed that treatment costs are projected to reach CAD 132 million in 2024 alone. In contrast, the estimated cost for screening eligible Canadians over a five-year period is CAD 106 million.
Dr. Kean further underscored the importance of robust HPV screening, stating, “Elimination efforts must encompass universal access to primary HPV testing across all provinces and territories, with established national standards.”
Despite previous declines in cervical cancer rates, the Canadian Cancer Society has reported a worrying stall in progress. Between 1984 and 2005, cervical cancer rates decreased annually by 2.2 per cent; however, from 2005 to 2021, this figure dropped to just 0.3 per cent.
A Call to Action
As Canada grapples with the realities of this health crisis, experts are urging swift legislative action to bolster HPV screening and vaccination efforts. Both Canada and the World Health Organization have committed to the goal of eliminating cervical cancer, which hinges on three crucial elements: widespread vaccination, effective HPV-based DNA screening, and accessible treatment options.
Dr. Kean highlighted the stark contrast in cancer trends, noting, “While rates of other cancers continue to fall, cervical cancer remains an outlier, one that is entirely preventable.”
Why it Matters
The rising incidence of cervical cancer in Canada is not merely a statistic; it reflects a profound systemic failure to protect vulnerable populations and ensure equitable access to healthcare. The proposed shifts in screening and vaccination policies could be transformative, potentially saving lives and alleviating the financial burden on the healthcare system. As advocates call for urgent reform, the spotlight is now on policymakers to act decisively in addressing this pressing public health challenge.
