Cervical cancer is emerging as one of Canada’s most pressing health crises, with experts warning that the federal government must take decisive steps to combat the escalating rates of this disease. During a recent press conference held by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada in Ottawa, Dr. Shannon Salvador, the society’s president, highlighted the alarming statistics surrounding cervical cancer, which is now recognised as the “fastest-rising form of cancer” in the country. Despite the government’s commitment to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2040, the current efforts are falling short of what is needed.
Alarming Statistics Reveal the Severity
In 2025, it is projected that approximately 1,650 Canadians will receive a cervical cancer diagnosis, with around 430 succumbing to the illness—deaths that many experts assert are preventable. Dr. Salvador emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating, “Canada is currently serving a silent national health crisis.” She pointed to the reliance on traditional Pap testing and a concerning stagnation in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates as significant barriers to progress.
The completion rate for the HPV vaccine among eligible Canadians currently sits at just 64 per cent, far below the levels necessary for effective disease elimination. “This statistic is not simply a medical failure; it is a policy failure,” Dr. Salvador remarked, calling for urgent reform in health initiatives aimed at preventing cervical cancer.
A Call for Innovative Screening Solutions
In light of these challenges, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada is advocating for an immediate national transition towards HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screenings. They propose implementing self-collection kits that would allow individuals to perform tests in the comfort of their homes. Dr. Salvador noted that these at-home swabs could eliminate barriers faced by many, particularly those from rural, Indigenous, or marginalized communities, who often encounter significant obstacles in accessing healthcare.
Dr. Sarah Kean, the provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, reinforced the need for comprehensive screening solutions. She highlighted that Indigenous women, in particular, are diagnosed at higher rates and often face worse outcomes due to systemic barriers and inequities in access to healthcare services.
The Economic Burden of Cervical Cancer
The financial implications of cervical cancer are equally concerning, with treatment costs projected to reach £132 million in 2024. Furthermore, screening eligible Canadians is estimated to incur an additional £106 million over the next five years. These figures underscore the urgent need for effective preventive measures to alleviate the strain on the healthcare system.
Despite the World Health Organization’s global initiative launched five years ago to eradicate cervical cancer, progress in Canada has stagnated. According to a report by the Canadian Cancer Society, cervical cancer remains the fourth most diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, with troubling projections of 1,600 diagnoses and 400 deaths in Canada for the year 2024. While the five-year survival rate stands at 74 per cent, the downward trend in incidence rates has slowed significantly since 2005.
Why it Matters
The rising incidence of cervical cancer in Canada is not just a statistic; it is an urgent call to action for policymakers and healthcare providers. With a disease that is highly preventable, the failure to implement effective vaccination and screening strategies represents a significant oversight in public health. The time has come for a concerted effort to reform our healthcare policies, ensuring that all Canadians have access to the resources necessary for prevention and early detection. Addressing this silent crisis is vital not only for the health of individuals but for the integrity of the healthcare system as a whole.
