Cervical cancer is rapidly emerging as a pressing health issue in Canada, with experts declaring it the “fastest-rising form of cancer” in the nation. During a press conference held in Ottawa by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, medical professionals urged the federal government to intensify efforts to combat what they termed a “silent national health crisis.” This plea follows the government’s action plan unveiled in July 2025, which aims to eradicate cervical cancer as a public health concern by the year 2040.
An Alarming Upsurge
Dr. Shannon Salvador, the president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, highlighted the severity of the situation. “Canada is currently facing a silent national health crisis,” she stated, emphasising that despite advancements in medical technology, there exists a troubling anomaly in cervical cancer rates. In 2025 alone, it is estimated that 1,650 Canadians will receive a cervical cancer diagnosis, with 430 projected fatalities from this largely avoidable disease.
The reliance on traditional Pap testing has proven insufficient, particularly as the uptake of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations remains alarmingly low. Dr. Salvador pointed out that the current HPV vaccination completion rate is stagnating at 64 per cent—well below the threshold required for meaningful elimination of cervical cancer.
Shifting the Screening Paradigm
Experts are now advocating for an immediate overhaul of cervical cancer screening methodologies. The Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada is urging the implementation of HPV DNA testing nationwide, along with the introduction of self-collection swabs. These self-testing kits are designed to facilitate easier access to screening, particularly for those who may encounter barriers such as geographical isolation or a lack of healthcare resources.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, self-administered HPV testing can be conducted by collecting a small sample from the vagina using a swab, providing a more accessible option for many. Dr. Salvador noted that these kits could help eliminate obstacles related to travel, historical trauma, and cultural marginalisation that disproportionately affect specific groups, including rural and Indigenous communities.
Addressing Systemic Inequities
Dr. Sarah Kean, the provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, echoed these calls for change, stressing that the disparities in cervical cancer outcomes are not rooted in biology but rather in systemic inequalities. “Indigenous women are diagnosed at higher rates, with more advanced disease, and they experience worse outcomes,” she said. Addressing these inequalities is paramount, as they stem from a lack of access to screening resources, geographic isolation, and pervasive systemic racism in healthcare.
Dr. Kean called for robust HPV screening protocols that ensure universal access across all provinces and territories, supported by clear national standards. “Robust HPV screening must mean more than updating guidelines,” she insisted, highlighting the need for comprehensive legislative support.
The Financial Burden of Inaction
The economic implications of cervical cancer are also significant. Dr. Salvador noted that the treatment costs for cervical cancer to the Canadian healthcare system are projected to reach $132 million in 2024, while an estimated $106 million would be required to screen eligible Canadians over five years. This financial burden highlights the urgent need for preventative measures that could alleviate both human suffering and healthcare costs.
Despite the World Health Organization’s global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer, progress in Canada has stalled. According to a report by the Canadian Cancer Society, cervical cancer remains the “fourth most diagnosed cancer” and a leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Alarmingly, the annual decrease in cervical cancer rates has slowed considerably since 2005, indicating a need for immediate action.
Why it Matters
The rising incidence of cervical cancer in Canada underscores a critical gap in public health policy and access to preventative care. As experts call for decisive action, it becomes increasingly clear that addressing this crisis is not only a matter of medical urgency but also a moral imperative. By prioritising comprehensive HPV vaccination and screening programmes, Canada has the opportunity to turn the tide on cervical cancer and ensure that no woman is left behind in the fight against this preventable disease. The time for action is now.
