Cervical cancer has emerged as the fastest-increasing cancer in Canada, prompting urgent calls from healthcare professionals for enhanced government action. During a press conference held in Ottawa by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, experts described the situation as a “silent national health crisis.” This plea for immediate attention comes despite the federal government’s commitment, made in July 2025, to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2040.
A Growing Concern
Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, underscored the gravity of the situation on Wednesday morning. She highlighted that in 2025 alone, approximately 1,650 Canadians were expected to receive a cervical cancer diagnosis, with around 430 fatalities anticipated—a statistic that she stressed is preventable.
“There’s a troubling disconnect between advancements in modern medicine and the rising rates of cervical cancer,” Dr. Salvador stated. She pointed out that Canada’s reliance on Papanicolaou (Pap) testing, coupled with stagnating human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates, is contributing to the problem. Currently, the national HPV vaccination completion rate sits at merely 64%, significantly lower than the level required for effective elimination of the disease.
The Call for Action
In light of these disconcerting trends, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada has called for an “immediate, national shift” towards HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screening. They propose the introduction of self-collection kits for HPV testing to enhance access to screening, especially for those facing barriers to traditional healthcare services.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, HPV testing can be performed using swabs to collect cell samples from the cervix or vagina. The option for self-administered testing could alleviate obstacles such as geographic isolation, historical trauma, and a lack of accessible healthcare providers.
Dr. Sarah Kean, provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, emphasised the pervasive disparities in healthcare access. “Indigenous women are disproportionately affected by cervical cancer, often diagnosed at more advanced stages with poorer outcomes,” she noted. These disparities are not biological but are the result of significant barriers to healthcare, including systemic racism and poverty.
A Call for Universal Access
The Society’s experts insist that a comprehensive approach is essential. Dr. Kean articulated the need for a robust and accessible HPV screening programme across Canada, asserting that it must involve more than mere updates to existing guidelines. “We need universal access to primary HPV testing across all provinces and territories, underpinned by clear national standards,” she asserted.
The financial implications of cervical cancer are also significant. Dr. Salvador revealed that treating cervical cancer cost the Canadian healthcare system approximately £132 million in 2024, while screening eligible Canadians would represent an investment of around £106 million over five years.
The Bigger Picture
Despite the World Health Organization’s launch of a global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer five years ago, a report from the Canadian Cancer Society released in November 2025 indicated a worrying stagnation in progress. Cervical cancer now ranks as the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide, with projections suggesting 1,600 diagnoses and 400 deaths in Canada for 2024.
The past two decades have seen a decline in cervical cancer rates, with an annual decrease of 2.2% between 1984 and 2005. However, from 2005 to 2021, this rate of decline diminished to a mere 0.3%. Dr. Kean pointed out that while many other cancers are decreasing in incidence, cervical cancer remains resolutely preventable.
Why it Matters
Cervical cancer is not merely a medical issue; it is a pressing social concern that highlights the deep-rooted inequities within Canada’s healthcare system. The current stagnation in screening and vaccination efforts poses a significant threat to public health, particularly for vulnerable populations. By addressing these disparities and implementing effective screening measures, Canada has the opportunity to prevent unnecessary suffering and save lives. The time for decisive action is now, ensuring that all Canadians, especially those in underserved communities, have equitable access to vital healthcare resources.
