Cervical cancer, now described as the “fastest-rising form of cancer” in Canada, is being called a “silent national health crisis” by leading medical experts. The Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, during a press conference in Ottawa, urged the federal government to intensify efforts to combat this escalating issue. This comes in the wake of a federal action plan unveiled in July 2025, aimed at eradicating cervical cancer as a public health concern by 2040. However, experts argue that current measures are insufficient to achieve this ambitious goal.
The Alarming Statistics
Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, highlighted troubling statistics that underscore the gravity of the situation. In 2025, an estimated 1,650 Canadians were diagnosed with cervical cancer, with around 430 succumbing to the disease—cases that are largely preventable. Dr. Salvador pointed out that while advancements in medicine are celebrated, the nation is facing a worrying outlier in cervical cancer rates, exacerbated by inadequate HPV vaccination and reliance on outdated screening methods.
“Canada is currently experiencing a silent national health crisis,” Dr. Salvador declared. She further emphasised, “This statistic is not just a medical failure; it is a policy failure.” The current national completion rate for HPV vaccinations stands at a mere 64 per cent, a figure she deems “far below the target needed for elimination.”
A Call for Change in Screening Practices
In response to the rising cases and stagnant vaccination rates, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada is advocating for a “national shift in HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screening.” They propose the implementation of self-collection swabs and kits to facilitate easier access to screening. Currently, HPV testing is performed using either a swab from the cervix or the vagina. Self-administered testing options are available, allowing individuals to collect samples from the vagina, enhancing accessibility.
Dr. Salvador explained that these kits can significantly diminish barriers to screening, particularly for those facing travel difficulties, historical trauma, or cultural marginalisation. She highlighted a persistent “health gender gap,” especially impacting rural, Indigenous, and underserved communities who are slipping through the cracks of a fragmented healthcare system.
Disparities in Healthcare Access
The pressing need for improved access to cervical cancer screenings is particularly acute for Indigenous women, who are diagnosed more frequently and at later stages of the disease, leading to poorer outcomes. Dr. Sarah Kean, the provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, pointed out that these disparities are not rooted in biology but rather stem from systemic issues such as geographic isolation, racism in the healthcare system, and the socioeconomic impacts of colonial practices.
“There is a dire need for robust, accessible HPV screening across Canada, supported by federal legislation,” Dr. Kean insisted. She argued that “robust HPV screening must mean more than updating guidelines. It requires universal access to primary HPV testing across all provinces and territories with clear national standards.”
The Cost of Inaction
The financial implications of cervical cancer are staggering. In 2024, the cost of treating cervical cancer in the Canadian healthcare system reached approximately £132 million. Conversely, the expense of screening eligible Canadians over a five-year span is projected to be around £106 million. This stark contrast underscores the need for proactive measures that could prevent the disease and alleviate future healthcare costs.
According to a report from the Canadian Cancer Society, cervical cancer is regarded as the “fourth most diagnosed cancer and fourth leading cause of cancer death among females worldwide.” The report also noted a troubling stagnation in progress since the World Health Organization launched its global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer five years ago. While rates of other cancers are declining, cervical cancer remains a concerning exception.
Why it Matters
The rising incidence of cervical cancer in Canada is not merely a statistic; it represents a failure of public health policy and a deepening health crisis that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. With effective prevention and screening strategies, this disease is largely preventable. The call for immediate action from healthcare advocates highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reforms that ensure equitable access to care, particularly for those most at risk. As Canada strives to meet its commitment to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, the onus is on policymakers to act decisively and implement the necessary changes that can save lives and promote health equity across the nation.
