Cervical cancer has emerged as a significant public health concern in Canada, being described as the “fastest-rising form of cancer” in the country. During a press conference held in Ottawa on Wednesday, experts from the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada expressed alarm over the increasing incidence of this disease, urging the federal government to intensify its efforts to combat what they termed a “silent national health crisis.” This plea comes in spite of a federal action plan launched in July 2025, which aims to eradicate cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2040.
Alarming Statistics Highlight the Crisis
Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, revealed that in 2025, approximately 1,650 Canadians would receive a cervical cancer diagnosis, with an estimated 430 fatalities attributed to the illness. “These deaths are avoidable,” she asserted, underscoring the need for enhanced preventative measures.
Dr. Salvador pointed out that Canada has heavily relied on Pap testing for cervical cancer detection, while the uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination remains disappointingly low. “Our national HPV vaccination completion rate is currently stagnant at 64 per cent, which is significantly below the threshold required for elimination,” she noted. This stagnation is not merely a clinical concern but a failure of public policy, she emphasised.
A Shift in Screening Protocols
In response to the growing urgency, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology is advocating for a nationwide transition to HPV DNA testing as a primary method for cervical cancer screening. They are also calling for the introduction of self-collection swabs and kits, which would facilitate easier access to screening for a broader population.
Self-administered testing involves collecting a small sample from the vagina, thereby enabling individuals to conduct screenings in the comfort of their own home. This approach is seen as particularly beneficial for those facing barriers such as geographical isolation, historical trauma, or lack of access to healthcare resources. “The health gender gap has persisted for years, particularly affecting rural, Indigenous, and marginalised communities,” Dr. Salvador explained.
Addressing Disparities in Healthcare Access
Dr. Sarah Kean, the provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, further highlighted the disparities faced by Indigenous women, who are diagnosed with cervical cancer at higher rates and often experience more advanced stages of the disease. “These outcomes are not a result of biological differences, but rather systemic barriers including inadequate access to screening resources, geographic isolation, and persistent racism within the healthcare system,” she stated.
Kean called for a comprehensive and accessible HPV screening framework across the nation, emphasising that this must extend beyond mere updates to guidelines. “We need universal access to primary HPV testing in all provinces and territories, with clear national standards to ensure equity in healthcare access,” she urged.
The Cost of Inaction
The financial implications of cervical cancer on the Canadian healthcare system are significant. Dr. Salvador indicated that treatment costs for cervical cancer were projected to reach £132 million in 2024, while screening eligible individuals would amount to £106 million over a five-year period. These figures underscore the urgency for proactive health measures that could prevent the disease from progressing.
Despite the World Health Organization’s global strategy aimed at eliminating cervical cancer, a report from the Canadian Cancer Society released in November 2025 indicated that progress has stalled. Cervical cancer remains the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, with projections suggesting 1,600 new cases in Canada and 400 deaths in 2024 alone.
Why it Matters
The rising incidence of cervical cancer in Canada signifies a pressing public health challenge that requires immediate attention from policymakers and healthcare providers alike. The call for a shift towards more accessible screening methods and improved vaccination rates is not just a response to a growing crisis; it is a moral imperative to ensure equitable health outcomes for all Canadians. Addressing these issues head-on could mean the difference between life and death for thousands, making the case for urgent reform all the more compelling.
