Cervical cancer is rapidly becoming a pressing public health issue in Canada, with medical professionals calling it the “fastest-rising form of cancer” in the nation. At a press conference held by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada in Ottawa, experts expressed their concerns about the federal government’s current strategy and urged for more decisive measures to combat this “silent national health crisis.”
Alarming Statistics Highlight the Need for Change
Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the Society, highlighted distressing statistics during the conference, noting that in 2025, approximately 1,650 Canadians were expected to receive a cervical cancer diagnosis, with around 430 succumbing to the illness. “These deaths are avoidable,” she stressed, pointing to the reliance on Papanicolaou (Pap) tests and the stagnation in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates, which can significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer.
Despite the federal government’s action plan, released in July 2025, which aims to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat by 2040, Dr. Salvador indicated that progress has been insufficient. “Our initial enthusiasm for the HPV vaccine, which debuted in Canada in the mid-2000s, has not translated into effective policy changes,” she remarked. Currently, Canada’s HPV vaccination completion rate sits at a concerning 64 per cent, far below the target necessary for effective elimination.
Proposed Solutions for Screening and Prevention
In response to this crisis, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada is advocating for a national overhaul of cervical cancer screening protocols. They suggest an immediate shift towards HPV DNA testing and the introduction of self-collection kits for HPV testing. This approach aims to enhance accessibility, particularly for individuals facing barriers such as geographic isolation, trauma histories, or lack of a family doctor.
The Canadian Cancer Society supports this initiative, explaining that self-administered testing can be conducted through a simple vaginal swab. These kits could potentially remove significant obstacles to screening, improving access for marginalized communities, including Indigenous populations who disproportionately face higher rates of cervical cancer and often encounter systemic barriers in healthcare.
Dr. Sarah Kean, provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, passionately conveyed that the higher rates of diagnosis among Indigenous women are not due to biological factors but rather stem from inequitable access to healthcare resources. “Geographic isolation, systemic racism in healthcare, and poverty are the real culprits,” she asserted, calling for a robust and accessible HPV screening programme across the country.
The Cost of Inaction
The financial implications of cervical cancer for the Canadian healthcare system are substantial. Dr. Salvador disclosed that treatment costs for cervical cancer are projected to reach $132 million in 2024, while the expense of screening eligible Canadians could amount to $106 million over the next five years. This underscores the urgent need for the government to implement effective screening measures and vaccination initiatives.
As the global health community focuses on eliminating cervical cancer, with the World Health Organization also advocating for comprehensive strategies, Canada finds itself at a crossroads. Dr. Kean pointed out that while other cancers have seen declining incidence rates, cervical cancer remains a significant outlier, despite being one of the most preventable forms of cancer.
Why it Matters
The rising rates of cervical cancer in Canada demand immediate attention and action from both policymakers and healthcare providers. The recommendations from the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada provide a clear path forward, highlighting the need for universal access to HPV testing and vaccinations. Addressing these issues is not just a matter of healthcare; it is a vital step toward rectifying long-standing inequities in the health system, particularly for marginalized communities. By prioritising cervical cancer screening and prevention, Canada can work towards a future where cervical cancer is no longer a silent crisis but a preventable disease.
