Cervical cancer is emerging as a significant public health challenge in Canada, with alarming statistics highlighting an increase in diagnoses and deaths. During a recent press conference in Ottawa, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada (GOC) urged the federal government to intensify efforts to combat what they describe as a “silent national health crisis.” This plea comes in the wake of the government’s action plan, announced in July 2025, which aimed to eradicate cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2040.
A Stark Warning from Health Experts
Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating, “Canada is currently serving a silent national health crisis.” She pointed out that in 2025, approximately 1,650 individuals were projected to be diagnosed with cervical cancer, with an estimated 430 succumbing to the disease—cases that could potentially be prevented through better healthcare practices.
Dr. Salvador lamented the stagnation in the HPV vaccination rate, which currently stands at 64 per cent, far below the threshold necessary for the effective elimination of cervical cancer. “This statistic is not just a medical failure, it is a policy failure,” she asserted, calling for a reevaluation of the nation’s approach to cervical cancer prevention.
The Need for a National Shift in Screening Practices
In response to these alarming trends, the GOC is advocating for an immediate overhaul of cervical cancer screening methods. They propose transitioning to HPV DNA testing and introducing self-collection kits to facilitate easier access to screening. The inclusion of self-administered tests would allow individuals to collect samples at home, thereby removing barriers related to travel, historical trauma, and the lack of available healthcare practitioners.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, HPV testing can be conducted using swabs from either the cervix or the vagina, with the latter now being available for at-home use. This approach not only increases accessibility but also addresses health inequities faced by marginalised populations, including those living in rural areas, Indigenous communities, and those without a family doctor.
Addressing Health Disparities
Dr. Sarah Kean, provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, highlighted the disproportionate impact of cervical cancer on Indigenous women, who are diagnosed at higher rates and often experience more advanced stages of the disease. “This is not due to biology,” Dr. Kean explained, attributing these disparities to systemic barriers within the healthcare system, including geographic isolation and systemic racism. She called for robust federal legislation to ensure universal access to HPV screening across the nation.
“Robust HPV screening must mean more than updating guidelines. It must mean universal access to primary HPV testing across all provinces and territories with clear national standards,” Dr. Kean emphasised, reinforcing the urgency of addressing the existing gaps.
Financial Implications of Inaction
The financial burden of cervical cancer on the Canadian healthcare system is significant. In 2024, the estimated cost of treating cervical cancer reached £132 million, while screening eligible Canadians would require an additional £106 million over five years. The rising costs underscore the pressing need for preventative measures, especially given that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer.
Despite the World Health Organization’s commitment to eliminating cervical cancer, a report from the Canadian Cancer Society released in November 2025 indicated that progress has stalled. Cervical cancer is now the fourth most diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally, with projections suggesting that 1,600 females in Canada will be diagnosed in 2024 alone.
Why it Matters
The current trajectory of cervical cancer diagnoses in Canada represents not just a health crisis, but a failure of equity in healthcare access and preventive measures. The call for immediate action from health experts highlights the urgent need for systemic changes in screening and vaccination practices. As the nation grapples with rising incidence rates, the time to address this preventable disease is now, not just to save lives but to ensure that equity in healthcare is a reality for all Canadians. The commitment to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2040 must be matched by concrete actions today, or the cost—both human and financial—will only continue to escalate.
