Cervical cancer is emerging as Canada’s “fastest-rising form of cancer,” prompting urgent calls from health experts for government intervention. At a press conference held in Ottawa, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada highlighted this alarming trend, emphasising that despite a federal commitment to eradicate cervical cancer as a public health concern by 2040, immediate action is necessary. The statistics are stark: in 2025, an estimated 1,650 Canadians will receive a cervical cancer diagnosis, with 430 expected to succumb to a disease that is largely preventable.
A Silent Health Crisis
Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, characterised the situation as a “silent national health crisis.” While advancements in medical science have been celebrated, she noted that progress in tackling cervical cancer has not kept pace. The current reliance on Pap smears has proven insufficient, and the uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has stagnated, with only 64% of eligible individuals completing the series—a far cry from the levels needed for effective disease elimination.
“This statistic reflects not just a medical oversight but a significant failure in public health policy,” Dr. Salvador stated. The implications of these shortfalls are profound, particularly in a country that has the resources and knowledge to effect real change.
Recommendations for Immediate Action
To address these concerning trends, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada has proposed a comprehensive shift in cervical cancer screening methods. They advocate for the immediate adoption of HPV DNA testing and the implementation of self-collection kits, which allow individuals to perform tests at home. This approach aims to break down barriers associated with traditional screening methods, particularly for those facing geographical, socioeconomic, or cultural challenges.
Dr. Sarah Kean, the provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, underscored the need for equitable access to screening resources. “Indigenous women are disproportionately affected, often facing advanced disease at the time of diagnosis due to systemic barriers and inequities in healthcare access,” she explained. “This is not a biological issue but rather a reflection of the broader societal challenges that persist.”
The Financial Burden of Inaction
The financial implications of cervical cancer are significant. In 2024, the cost of treating the disease to the Canadian healthcare system is projected to reach CAD 132 million, while screening eligible Canadians would require a further investment of CAD 106 million over five years. Such figures underline the need for proactive measures to prevent this largely avoidable disease.
Despite the World Health Organization’s global strategy launched five years ago to eliminate cervical cancer, a recent report from the Canadian Cancer Society revealed stagnation in progress. Cervical cancer remains the fourth most diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Alarmingly, rates of cervical cancer, which had been declining in Canada until 2005, have seen a troubling plateau.
The Global Perspective
The urgency of this situation is echoed globally, with both Canada and the World Health Organization committed to eliminating cervical cancer through vaccination, HPV-based screening, and access to treatment. However, as Dr. Kean pointed out, “All other cancers in our country are decreasing in incidence except for the one that is entirely preventable.”
For many, cervical cancer represents a critical public health issue that transcends statistics; it embodies the need for systemic change to ensure all Canadians, particularly those in rural, Indigenous, and underserved communities, receive the care and resources they need.
Why it Matters
The rising rates of cervical cancer in Canada should serve as a clarion call for immediate governmental and societal action. Without a concerted effort to improve vaccination rates, enhance screening accessibility, and address the systemic inequities that contribute to this crisis, Canada risks not only the health of its citizens but also the integrity of its healthcare system as a whole. The time for action is now, as the lives of thousands hang in the balance.
