Cervical cancer is rapidly emerging as a significant health threat in Canada, with experts declaring it the “fastest-rising form of cancer” in the country. During a press conference held in Ottawa on Wednesday, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada urged the federal government to intensify efforts to combat this alarming trend. This call to action comes despite a July 2025 government initiative aimed at eradicating cervical cancer as a public health concern by 2040.
A Silent Epidemic
Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the Society, highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating, “Canada is currently serving a silent national health crisis.” She lamented that while advancements in healthcare have been celebrated, cervical cancer represents a troubling exception. In 2025 alone, approximately 1,650 Canadians were projected to receive a cervical cancer diagnosis, with around 430 succumbing to the disease—cases that could largely be prevented.
The reliance on Papanicolaou (Pap) testing and the stagnation of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates have compounded the problem. Dr. Salvador pointed out that the HPV vaccination completion rate has plateaued at just 64 per cent, a figure she described as “far below the target needed for elimination”. She underscored that this statistic reflects not only a clinical shortcoming but represents a significant policy failure.
A Need for Innovative Solutions
In light of these setbacks, the Society is advocating for an urgent shift towards HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screening, along with the introduction of HPV self-collection kits. These innovations would simplify the screening process, particularly for those facing barriers such as geographical isolation or a lack of access to healthcare providers.
The Canadian Cancer Society has indicated that HPV testing can be conducted using either a cervical or vaginal swab. Self-testing options allow individuals to collect samples at home, thus reducing the obstacles that can prevent women from accessing necessary screenings. Dr. Salvador emphasised that these kits would help bridge the gap for those in rural, Indigenous, and marginalised communities, where access to healthcare has historically been inequitable.
Addressing Systemic Barriers
Dr. Sarah Kean, provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, further elaborated on the disparities affecting Indigenous women, who face higher diagnosis rates and poorer outcomes. “This is not due to biology,” she asserted, but rather the result of systemic barriers, including limited access to screening, geographic isolation, and the lingering effects of colonial practices.
Kean called for a comprehensive approach to HPV screening across Canada, advocating for federal legislation that guarantees universal access to HPV testing. “Robust HPV screening must mean more than just updating guidelines; it must ensure access across all provinces and territories with clear national standards,” she stated.
The Financial Implications
The financial burden of cervical cancer on the Canadian healthcare system cannot be overlooked. In 2024, treatment costs were projected to reach $132 million, while screening eligible Canadians could amount to $106 million over five years. Investing in prevention through effective vaccination and screening could ultimately save lives and resources.
The Canadian Cancer Society reported that cervical cancer is the “fourth most diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide”. With projections indicating that 1,600 Canadian women could be diagnosed in 2024 and 400 may die from the disease, the urgency for action has never been clearer. Although survival rates show some improvement, with a five-year survival rate of 74 per cent, the stagnation in cervical cancer incidence rates is concerning.
Why it Matters
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, and the growing incidence in Canada highlights a pressing public health crisis that demands immediate governmental and societal intervention. As the healthcare system faces unprecedented challenges, the emphasis on innovative screening methods and equitable access to vaccination is not just a medical necessity but a moral imperative. Without decisive action, we risk allowing a silent epidemic to continue claiming lives, particularly among the most vulnerable populations. The time for change is now, and it starts with acknowledging the gravity of this issue and prioritising comprehensive healthcare reforms.
