**
Cervical cancer has emerged as the fastest-increasing cancer in Canada, prompting healthcare experts to label it a “silent national health crisis”. This stark warning was issued during a press conference held by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada in Ottawa on Wednesday, highlighting the urgent need for the federal government to intensify its efforts in combating this pressing health issue. The discussion comes on the heels of a federal action plan, unveiled in July 2025, which aims to eradicate cervical cancer as a public health threat by 2040.
An Alarming Reality
Dr. Shannon Salvador, the society’s president, painted a troubling picture of the current state of cervical cancer in Canada. “Canada is currently grappling with a silent national health crisis,” she stated emphatically. The statistics are sobering: in 2025, roughly 1,650 Canadians were diagnosed with cervical cancer, and around 430 are projected to succumb to the disease—cases that are largely preventable through effective screening and vaccination.
Salvador noted a concerning trend in the reliance on traditional Pap testing and a stagnation in the uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which is crucial for preventing cervical cancer. “For years, we have depended on Pap testing, and while the initial excitement surrounding the HPV vaccine was palpable when it was introduced in the mid-2000s, our health policies have failed to keep pace with evolving scientific evidence,” she remarked.
The Need for a New Approach
The pressing situation has led the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada to propose an immediate national overhaul of cervical cancer screening methods. They advocate for the adoption of HPV DNA testing alongside the introduction of self-collection swabs and kits, aimed at simplifying the screening process.
Current HPV testing typically involves either a swab taken from the cervix or a vaginal swab. The Canadian Cancer Society has indicated that self-administered tests are available, allowing women to collect samples from the vagina using a simple swab. Salvador underscored the importance of these kits, stating they eliminate barriers such as geographical distance, trauma histories, and cultural marginalisation that often hinder access to necessary healthcare services.
Bridging Gaps in Healthcare Access
Dr. Sarah Kean, who leads cervical cancer initiatives in Manitoba for the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, emphasised the disproportionate impact of cervical cancer on Indigenous women. “Indigenous women face higher diagnosis rates with more advanced disease stages and poorer outcomes, not due to biology, but as a direct result of barriers in accessing screening resources, geographic isolation, systemic racism in healthcare, and ongoing poverty linked to colonial legacies,” Kean asserted.
The call for a comprehensive, accessible HPV screening initiative across Canada is gaining traction. “Robust HPV screening must exceed mere guideline updates; it requires universal access to primary HPV testing across all provinces and territories under clear national standards,” she insisted.
The Financial Implications
The economic burden of cervical cancer on Canada’s healthcare system is significant. In 2024, the cost of treating cervical cancer was estimated at a staggering £132 million, while screening eligible Canadians over a five-year period would amount to approximately £106 million. This financial strain underscores the pressing need for preventative measures, as cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer when appropriate action is taken.
According to a report from the Canadian Cancer Society released in November 2025, cervical cancer is now the fourth most diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. The report highlighted a concerning stagnation in progress, revealing a decline in cervical cancer rates that has slowed dramatically from 2.2% annually between 1984 and 2005 to just 0.3% between 2005 and 2021.
Why it Matters
The rising incidence of cervical cancer in Canada is not just a statistic; it is a clarion call for immediate action. The healthcare community must mobilise to address the gaps in screening and vaccination that contribute to this alarming trend. With effective policies and accessible screening, Canada has the potential to turn the tide against this preventable disease. The health of countless Canadians hangs in the balance, making it imperative that both government and society respond swiftly and decisively to this growing crisis.
