Cervical cancer is increasingly recognised as a pressing public health issue in Canada, with experts urging the federal government to take more decisive action to combat this “silent national health crisis.” The Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada conveyed this urgent message during a press conference in Ottawa, highlighting that despite a government commitment made in July 2025 to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat by 2040, the current situation remains dire.
A Stark Reality
Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, articulated the gravity of the situation. “Canada is currently serving a silent national health crisis,” she stated, drawing attention to the 1,650 estimated diagnoses of cervical cancer in 2025, with 430 projected fatalities that could potentially be avoided. She pointed out that the reliance on Pap testing has not kept pace with advancements in medical science, particularly regarding the need for increased HPV vaccination uptake, which is critical in preventing cancer caused by the virus.
The current HPV vaccination completion rate is alarmingly low, stagnating at just 64 per cent. Dr. Salvador decried this statistic as not merely a health care failure but a significant policy shortcoming. “This is not just a medical failure; it is a policy failure,” she remarked, emphasising the need for a comprehensive reassessment of existing health strategies.
Proposed Solutions: A Shift in Testing Approach
In light of these challenges, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada has put forth recommendations for an immediate overhaul in cervical cancer screening methods. They advocate for a national shift towards HPV DNA testing and the introduction of self-collection kits for HPV testing, which would ease access to screening for many Canadians.
Currently, HPV testing typically involves a swab taken from the cervix or vagina by a healthcare provider. However, self-administered testing offers a significant advantage, as individuals can collect samples themselves in the comfort of their own homes. This approach could help eliminate barriers faced by many, particularly those in rural, Indigenous, and underserved communities, where access to healthcare resources is limited.
Dr. Sarah Kean, provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, further emphasised the disparities in outcomes, noting that Indigenous women face higher diagnosis rates and more advanced disease stages. “This is not due to biology; it is due to barriers, lack of access to screening resources, geographic isolation, systemic racism in healthcare, and poverty,” she explained, calling for a robust and accessible HPV screening programme supported by federal legislation.
The Broader Context
Despite efforts to combat cervical cancer, the overall progress in Canada has stalled. The Canadian Cancer Society recently released a report highlighting that cervical cancer remains the fourth most diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths among women globally. The five-year survival rate sits at 74 per cent, and the ten-year survival rate at 68 per cent, illustrating the critical need for improved screening and vaccination strategies.
Dr. Salvador noted that treating cervical cancer incurs significant costs to the Canadian healthcare system, with expenses projected at $132 million in 2024 alone. In contrast, screening eligible Canadians would cost approximately $106 million over five years—an investment that could yield substantial public health benefits.
Why it Matters
The rise in cervical cancer cases in Canada is not just a statistic; it represents a failure to protect the health of vulnerable populations. With international commitments to eliminate cervical cancer hinging on effective vaccination, screening, and treatment access, now is the time for Canadian policymakers to heed the warnings of health professionals and implement the necessary changes. The consequences of inaction are severe, not just for individual patients, but for the integrity of the entire healthcare system. Addressing this crisis requires a unified approach that prioritises health equity, ensuring that all Canadians, regardless of their background, have access to the care they need to prevent this largely preventable disease.
