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Cervical cancer, identified as the most rapidly increasing cancer in Canada, is being described as a “silent national health crisis” by medical professionals. This alarming assertion was made during a press conference held by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada in Ottawa. Despite a federal action plan introduced in July 2025 aimed at eradicating cervical cancer as a public health concern by 2040, experts argue that immediate and substantial measures are necessary to reverse the troubling trends.
A Growing Concern
Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, articulated the severity of the situation, stating that in 2025, approximately 1,650 Canadians were diagnosed with cervical cancer, with an estimated 430 succumbing to the disease. “This is a preventable tragedy,” she remarked, stressing the need for systemic changes in healthcare policy to address the crisis.
The reliance on traditional Pap testing has proven inadequate, coupled with disappointing rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations, which are crucial for preventing cervical cancer. Dr. Salvador highlighted a stagnation in HPV vaccination rates, currently at only 64 per cent, far below the threshold required for effectively eliminating the disease. “This statistic is not merely a medical failure; it represents a policy failure,” she asserted.
The Need for New Strategies
In response to these pressing concerns, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada is advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of cervical cancer screening protocols. They are calling for the immediate national adoption of HPV DNA testing and the implementation of self-collection kits to facilitate easier screening.
HPV testing currently involves collecting cells from either the cervix or the vagina; however, the introduction of self-administered testing would allow individuals to collect samples at home. This shift could significantly reduce barriers to access, particularly for those with trauma histories, cultural marginalisation, or lack of local healthcare providers.
Dr. Salvador emphasised the potential of these self-collection kits to bridge gaps in healthcare access, especially for rural, Indigenous, and underserved communities, who have historically faced systemic barriers in receiving adequate medical care.
Addressing Disparities in Healthcare
Dr. Sarah Kean, the provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, pointed out the stark disparities in outcomes for Indigenous women, who are diagnosed with cervical cancer at higher rates and often present with more advanced stages of the disease. “This is not a biological issue; it stems from a lack of access to screening resources, geographic isolation, systemic racism in healthcare, and the ongoing impacts of colonial practices,” she explained.
There is an urgent need for a robust, accessible HPV screening programme across Canada, alongside supportive federal legislation. Dr. Kean noted that effective cervical cancer prevention must encompass universal access to primary HPV testing, with clear national guidelines to ensure consistency across provinces and territories.
Financial Implications of Inaction
The financial burden of cervical cancer on the Canadian healthcare system is substantial. In 2024, treatment costs amounted to an estimated $132 million. Furthermore, the cost of screening eligible Canadians over a five-year period is projected to be around $106 million. These figures underscore the importance of proactive measures to prevent cervical cancer, which is one of the most preventable cancers.
The Canadian Cancer Society’s report from November 2025 revealed a troubling trend: while other cancers are on the decline, cervical cancer rates have stagnated since 2005. The report highlighted that cervical cancer is the fourth most diagnosed cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally.
Why it Matters
The rising rates of cervical cancer in Canada present a clear call to action for policymakers and health advocates alike. With effective prevention strategies and equitable access to screening, Canada has the potential to significantly reduce the incidence of this preventable disease. The time for meaningful change is now; without it, countless lives will continue to be impacted by a crisis that is entirely within our capacity to address.
