Cervical cancer has emerged as the fastest-growing cancer in Canada, posing a significant public health challenge that demands immediate attention from the federal government. This alarming revelation came to light during a press conference held by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada in Ottawa on Wednesday. The discussion highlighted the pressing need for enhanced measures to combat this “silent national health crisis,” despite a government action plan announced in July 2025 aimed at eradicating cervical cancer by 2040.
A Silent Health Crisis
Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, articulated the urgent nature of the issue. “Canada is currently facing a silent national health crisis,” she stated. She pointed out that in 2025, projections indicated that approximately 1,650 Canadians would be diagnosed with cervical cancer, with 430 expected to succumb to the disease—deaths that are largely preventable.
Despite advancements in medical technology, Dr. Salvador cautioned that reliance on traditional Pap testing and a stagnation in HPV vaccination rates are contributing to the crisis. “For years, we have depended on Pap testing, and while there was initial enthusiasm for the HPV vaccine in the mid-2000s, our policies have failed to keep up with scientific advancements,” she remarked.
The Current State of HPV Vaccination
The current completion rate for the HPV vaccine in Canada has plateaued at 64 per cent—far below the threshold required for effective elimination of cervical cancer. “This statistic is not merely a medical failure; it represents a significant policy failure,” Dr. Salvador asserted.
In response to the pressing health crisis, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada has advocated for a significant shift towards HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screening. This includes the introduction of self-collection kits that would allow individuals to conduct tests at home, thereby mitigating barriers associated with travel, historical trauma, and a lack of access to healthcare providers.
Addressing Barriers to Care
The importance of accessible healthcare cannot be overstated, particularly for Indigenous women, who face disproportionately higher rates of cervical cancer and more advanced stages of the disease at diagnosis. Dr. Sarah Kean, provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, highlighted that systemic barriers—including geographic isolation, systemic racism, and poverty—continue to hinder access to necessary screenings. “Indigenous women are diagnosed at higher rates, and this is not due to biological factors but rather a complex web of socio-economic obstacles,” she explained.
Dr. Kean called for a national framework for HPV screening that would ensure universal access across all provinces and territories. “Robust HPV screening must mean more than just updating guidelines; it requires comprehensive access to primary HPV testing with clearly defined national standards,” she stated.
Financial Implications and the Path Forward
The financial toll of cervical cancer on the Canadian healthcare system is substantial. In 2024, it is estimated that the cost of treating cervical cancer will reach CAD 132 million, while screening eligible Canadians could cost CAD 106 million over the next five years.
A report from the Canadian Cancer Society released in November 2025 indicated that despite global efforts to eliminate cervical cancer, progress in Canada has stagnated. Cervical cancer remains the fourth most diagnosed cancer among women and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with the five-year survival rate hovering around 74 per cent.
The report noted a concerning trend: while cervical cancer rates had been on a decline from 1984 to 2005, the rate of decrease has slowed dramatically since then. “From 2005 to 2021, the annual decrease dropped to a mere 0.3 per cent, with fluctuations in incidence rates,” Dr. Kean remarked, stressing the need for renewed commitment and action.
Why it Matters
The rising incidence of cervical cancer in Canada underscores a critical gap in public health policy and access to care. As we navigate the complexities of healthcare delivery, it is imperative that we address the systemic barriers that leave vulnerable populations at risk. Effective screening, vaccination efforts, and equitable access to treatment can transform the landscape of cervical cancer care in this country. The time for action is now; a comprehensive national strategy is not just a healthcare necessity, but a moral imperative to protect the health of all Canadians.
