Cervical cancer is emerging as the most rapidly increasing cancer in Canada, prompting urgent calls for action from healthcare professionals. At a press conference held in Ottawa by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, experts highlighted the pressing need for a national response to this “silent health crisis.” Despite a federal action plan aimed at eradicating cervical cancer by 2040, advocates argue that current measures are inadequate.
The Current Landscape of Cervical Cancer in Canada
Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, articulated the gravity of the situation, stating, “Canada is currently serving a silent national health crisis.” In 2025, approximately 1,650 Canadians were expected to receive a cervical cancer diagnosis, with 430 fatalities predicted. Dr. Salvador noted that these deaths are largely preventable, highlighting a significant gap in the existing healthcare framework.
The reliance on traditional Pap testing and the stagnation in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates have contributed to this alarming trend. Currently, the completion rate for the HPV vaccine stands at a mere 64 per cent—a figure Dr. Salvador describes as “far below the target needed for elimination.” This situation underscores not just a medical failure, but a profound policy oversight.
Calls for Comprehensive Change in Screening Practices
In response to the escalating crisis, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada is advocating for an immediate shift towards HPV DNA testing as a standard for cervical cancer screening. Dr. Salvador proposed the introduction of self-collection swabs and kits to facilitate easier access to screening, particularly for those who may face barriers due to geography or personal circumstances.
Self-administered testing, as outlined by the Canadian Cancer Society, allows individuals to collect samples from their vagina using a simple swab, greatly increasing accessibility. This initiative aims to mitigate some of the systemic barriers that have historically disadvantaged certain populations, including rural and Indigenous communities.
Dr. Sarah Kean, a provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, emphasised that the disparities in diagnosis and treatment outcomes are linked to socio-economic factors and systemic inequities. “Indigenous women are diagnosed at higher rates, with more advanced disease, and they experience worse outcomes. This is not due to biology; it is due to obstacles in accessing screening resources, coupled with systemic racism and poverty,” she stated.
A Need for Federal Support and Standardisation
Advocates are calling for robust and accessible HPV screening across Canada, supported by federal legislation. Dr. Kean insisted that universal access to primary HPV testing is crucial, requiring the establishment of clear national standards across all provinces and territories. “Robust HPV screening must mean more than updating guidelines; it must involve tangible support for implementation,” she asserted.
As the Canadian Cancer Society reported in November 2025, cervical cancer remains the fourth most diagnosed cancer among females worldwide, with projections indicating that 1,600 women in Canada will be diagnosed in 2024 alone. The survival rates, while improving, still reflect the urgent need for enhanced preventative measures—74 per cent survival at five years and 68 per cent at ten years.
The Economic Burden of Inaction
The financial implications of cervical cancer are significant as well. The cost of treating cervical cancer to the Canadian healthcare system was estimated at $132 million in 2024, with screening eligible Canadians projected to cost an additional $106 million over five years. These figures highlight not only the human toll of inaction but also the economic burden placed on the healthcare system.
Why it Matters
The alarming rise in cervical cancer cases in Canada is a stark reminder that public health initiatives must evolve alongside scientific advancements. The call for immediate action is not merely about statistics; it is about saving lives and addressing the systemic inequities that persist in our healthcare system. As we strive for a future where cervical cancer is no longer a threat, it is imperative that we prioritise accessible screening, vaccination, and comprehensive support for all communities, particularly those most vulnerable. The time for change is now.
