Cervical cancer has emerged as the fastest-rising form of cancer in Canada, prompting health experts to declare it a “silent national health crisis.” At a recent press conference held in Ottawa, representatives from the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada urged the federal government to take more decisive measures, despite its 2025 action plan aimed at eliminating cervical cancer as a public health concern by 2040. Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the society, highlighted alarming statistics that underscore the urgency of this issue.
Alarming Statistics Underscore the Crisis
In 2025, approximately 1,650 Canadians were expected to receive a cervical cancer diagnosis, with an estimated 430 fatalities attributed to the disease—deaths that Dr. Salvador insists are preventable. She pointed out that Canada’s reliance on traditional Pap testing alongside insufficient rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has contributed to this growing public health concern.
“The enthusiasm surrounding the HPV vaccine, initially introduced in the mid-2000s, has not translated into substantial policy improvements,” Dr. Salvador remarked. Currently, the national HPV vaccination completion rate has stagnated at only 64 per cent, far below the target required for effective elimination. “This deficiency represents not just a medical failure, but a policy failure as well,” she added.
Call for Innovative Screening Approaches
In light of these statistics, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada is advocating for a swift transition to HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screenings. They are also recommending the implementation of HPV self-collection kits, which would allow individuals to conduct tests at home. Such an approach aims to reduce barriers to access, particularly for those in remote areas or underserved communities.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, self-administered testing can be done by collecting a small sample from the vagina, which offers a more convenient option for many women. Dr. Salvador noted that these kits could help address significant barriers, including geographical isolation, historical trauma, and systemic racism that disproportionately affect Indigenous and rural populations.
Addressing Systemic Inequities
Dr. Sarah Kean, the provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, echoed Dr. Salvador’s concerns, emphasising that Indigenous women are diagnosed with cervical cancer at higher rates and often face more advanced stages of the disease. She attributed these disparities to systemic barriers, including lack of access to screening resources and the enduring impacts of colonial practices.
For Dr. Kean, the call for robust HPV screening across Canada is not merely about updating existing guidelines; it necessitates universal access to primary HPV testing throughout all provinces and territories, accompanied by clear national standards. “All other cancers in our country are decreasing in incidence except for the one that is entirely preventable,” she lamented.
The Financial Burden of Cervical Cancer
The financial implications of cervical cancer are also significant. The estimated cost of treating the disease to the Canadian healthcare system was projected to reach $132 million in 2024. In contrast, the expense of screening eligible Canadians could equate to around $106 million over five years. This stark difference highlights the potential for cost-effective prevention strategies to alleviate the future financial burden on the healthcare system.
Why it Matters
The urgent need for comprehensive action against cervical cancer cannot be overstated. With effective vaccination, screening, and treatment protocols, Canada has the potential to drastically reduce cervical cancer rates and improve health outcomes for women across the nation. However, systemic barriers must be addressed to ensure equitable access to these life-saving resources. Without immediate and decisive action, Canada risks perpetuating a preventable health crisis that disproportionately affects its most vulnerable populations. A commitment to eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem is not just a goal; it’s a moral imperative that reflects the values of a just and equitable society.
