Cervical cancer is increasingly being recognised as a critical health issue in Canada, with experts labelling it the “fastest-rising form of cancer” in the country. At a press conference held in Ottawa by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, medical professionals stressed the urgent need for the federal government to enhance its efforts in combating this “silent national health crisis.” This call to action comes in the wake of a federal action plan released in July 2025, which aims to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2040.
The Alarming Statistics
Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, highlighted the troubling statistics regarding cervical cancer diagnoses and mortality rates. In 2025, approximately 1,650 Canadians were expected to be diagnosed with the disease, with around 430 succumbing to it—numbers that Dr. Salvador contended were “avoidable.”
“The medical advancements we celebrate are overshadowed by an alarming outlier,” she stated, emphasising that Canada’s reliance on traditional Pap testing has not kept pace with scientific progress. Moreover, the nation is facing stagnation in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates, which currently sit at a concerning 64 per cent—well below the threshold needed to effectively eliminate cervical cancer.
Need for Enhanced Screening Measures
In light of these setbacks, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada is advocating for a radical shift towards HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screening. This involves implementing HPV self-collection kits, which would enable individuals to gather samples in the comfort of their own homes. The Canadian Cancer Society supports this approach, stating that self-administered testing can be conducted using a swab to collect samples from the vagina, potentially increasing accessibility for many.
Dr. Salvador pointed out that such kits could effectively dismantle barriers faced by individuals in rural or underserved communities, where access to healthcare remains fragmented. According to Dr. Sarah Kean, provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, Indigenous women are disproportionately affected, facing higher rates of diagnosis and more advanced stages of the disease. She attributed these disparities to systemic barriers rather than biological factors, underscoring the need for equitable access to screenings.
A Call for Comprehensive Policy Change
Both Dr. Salvador and Dr. Kean asserted that the current healthcare policies do not align with the advancements in medical science. Dr. Kean stressed that “robust HPV screening must mean more than updating guidelines” and called for universal access to primary HPV testing across Canada, with clear national standards established.
The financial implications of cervical cancer are also significant. In 2024, the costs associated with treating cervical cancer were estimated at around £132 million for the Canadian healthcare system. Meanwhile, the expenses related to screening eligible Canadians over a five-year period would total approximately £106 million.
The Bigger Picture
In the wider context, cervical cancer is not just a personal health issue but a societal one. The Canadian Cancer Society’s recent report revealed that while overall cancer rates are declining, cervical cancer remains an outlier, with no corresponding drop in incidence rates since 2005. This stagnation raises concerns about the effectiveness of current health policies aimed at prevention and treatment.
Why it Matters
The rising rates of cervical cancer in Canada represent more than just alarming statistics; they reflect a systemic failure in public health policy that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. Without decisive action and a commitment to enhancing screening and vaccination efforts, thousands more could face the devastating consequences of a largely preventable disease. As we move towards the ambitious goal of elimination by 2040, it is imperative that we address these disparities and ensure equitable healthcare access for all Canadians.
