Cervical cancer has been labelled the “fastest-rising form of cancer” in Canada, highlighting a pressing public health issue that advocates believe requires immediate attention from the federal government. This alarming revelation came during a press conference held by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada in Ottawa, where professionals urged for enhanced measures to combat this preventable disease, despite a government action plan announced in July 2025 aimed at eradicating cervical cancer by 2040.
A Growing Health Concern
Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, characterised the current situation as a “silent national health crisis.” She highlighted that in 2025 alone, approximately 1,650 Canadians would receive a cervical cancer diagnosis, with an estimated 430 fatalities attributed to the disease, a reality that she described as “avoidable.”
Despite advancements in medical technology, Dr. Salvador noted that the reliance on traditional Papanicolaou (Pap) tests is becoming increasingly inadequate, particularly as HPV vaccination rates stagnate. “For years, we have depended on PAP testing,” she remarked, “but our initial enthusiasm for the HPV vaccine has waned since its introduction in Canada in the mid-2000s. Our policies have not evolved in tandem with scientific progress.”
The national completion rate for the HPV vaccine currently stands at a concerning 64 per cent, a figure that Dr. Salvador deemed “far below the target necessary for elimination.” She remarked, “This statistic is not merely a medical oversight; it is a failure of policy.”
Proposed Solutions and Recommendations
In light of these challenges, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada is advocating for an immediate transformation in cervical cancer screening protocols. They propose a nationwide shift towards HPV DNA testing and the introduction of self-collection kits for HPV testing, designed to make screening more accessible for all Canadians.
The Canadian Cancer Society outlines that HPV testing can be conducted through swabs collected from either the cervix or the vagina. Self-administered kits allow individuals to collect samples at home, thereby dismantling barriers such as travel difficulties and historical trauma associated with healthcare encounters. Dr. Salvador emphasised that these kits could help bridge the existing “health gender gap,” particularly for individuals in rural, Indigenous, and underserved communities who have long been overlooked in the healthcare system.
Dr. Sarah Kean, provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, echoed these concerns, stating, “Indigenous women are diagnosed at higher rates with more advanced stages of the disease and face worse outcomes. This disparity is not biological; it stems from systemic barriers, lack of access to screening resources, and the enduring impact of colonial practices.”
The Cost of Inaction
Dr. Salvador also highlighted the financial burden that cervical cancer imposes on the Canadian healthcare system, estimating treatment costs at approximately £132 million in 2024. Furthermore, the financial commitment required for screening eligible Canadians over a five-year period is projected to reach £106 million.
These figures underscore the urgency for a comprehensive strategy that not only updates clinical guidelines but also ensures universal access to primary HPV testing across all provinces and territories, accompanied by clear national standards.
A Stalled Progress
Five years post the World Health Organization’s (WHO) launch of its global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer, the Canadian Cancer Society released a report indicating that progress in Canada has stagnated. Cervical cancer remains the fourth most diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally. In 2024, projections indicated that 1,600 women in Canada would receive cervical cancer diagnoses, with 400 succumbing to the illness.
While the five-year survival rate for those diagnosed stands at 74 per cent, the data reveals a concerning trend: cervical cancer rates, which had been declining between 1984 and 2005, have seen only a marginal annual decrease of 0.3 per cent from 2005 to 2021.
Why it Matters
The rising incidence of cervical cancer in Canada is not just a statistic; it represents a significant public health crisis that demands immediate action. With the capability to prevent this disease through vaccination and effective screening, the onus is on both policymakers and health authorities to implement robust strategies that ensure equitable access to these essential services. As Canada aims for the ambitious goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040, it must first address the systemic barriers that continue to prevent many Canadians from receiving the care they need. The health of future generations depends on the choices made today.
