Cervical cancer is emerging as the most rapidly increasing cancer in Canada, raising alarms among healthcare professionals who label it a “silent national health crisis.” At a press conference held in Ottawa by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, experts called on the federal government to intensify its efforts to eradicate this disease, particularly in light of a national action plan announced in July 2025, which aims to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2040.
A Rising Threat
Dr. Shannon Salvador, the president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, articulated the urgency of the situation. “Canada is currently facing a silent national health crisis,” she stated during the conference. “While we celebrate advancements in medical science, there remains a troubling anomaly.”
Current projections for 2025 estimate that approximately 1,650 Canadians will receive a cervical cancer diagnosis, with around 430 fatalities resulting from a condition that is largely preventable. Dr. Salvador pointed to a concerning trend: the reliance on traditional Pap testing and the insufficient uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine as significant hurdles in combating this disease.
Policy Failures and Call for Change
The current HPV vaccination rate in Canada has stagnated at 64%, a figure that falls woefully short of the levels required for effective disease elimination. “This is not merely a clinical failure; it is a failure of policy,” Dr. Salvador asserted, emphasising the need for immediate change.
In response to this crisis, the Society is advocating for a nationwide transition to HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screening, along with the introduction of self-collection kits. These kits are designed to facilitate screening by enabling individuals to collect samples at home, thereby removing obstacles related to access, including travel issues, historical trauma, and a lack of healthcare resources, particularly in rural and Indigenous communities.
Disparities in Healthcare Access
Dr. Sarah Kean, a provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, highlighted the inequalities faced by Indigenous women, who are diagnosed with cervical cancer at significantly higher rates and often at more advanced stages. “This is not a biological issue,” she clarified. “The disparities are rooted in barriers to screening, geographic isolation, systemic racism in healthcare, and the lingering effects of colonialism.”
To address these inequities, Dr. Kean has called for comprehensive HPV screening that guarantees universal access across all provinces and territories, accompanied by clear national standards. “Robust HPV screening must go beyond mere updates to guidelines; it necessitates a coordinated approach to ensure accessibility,” she insisted.
Financial Implications and Global Context
In addition to the health implications, the economic burden of cervical cancer on the Canadian healthcare system is significant. In 2024, the cost of treating cervical cancer is expected to reach approximately £132 million, while screening eligible Canadians would incur around £106 million over five years.
The Canadian Cancer Society’s recent report highlights that cervical cancer remains the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer and ranks as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally. Although cervical cancer rates saw a decline from 1984 to 2005, progress has stagnated since, with only a marginal annual decrease of 0.3% between 2005 and 2021.
Why it Matters
The growing incidence of cervical cancer in Canada represents not only a pressing health crisis but also an urgent call for policy reform and equitable access to healthcare. The potential to prevent this disease exists, yet systemic barriers continue to hinder effective action. As we strive toward the ambitious goal of eradicating cervical cancer by 2040, it is crucial that we address the disparities in access to screening and treatment, particularly for vulnerable populations. The time for decisive action is now, as Canada must rise to meet the challenge of cervical cancer and ensure a healthier future for all its citizens.
