**
Cervical cancer is emerging as the most rapidly increasing cancer in Canada, prompting urgent calls from medical professionals for the federal government to intensify its efforts to combat this “silent national health crisis.” At a press conference held in Ottawa on Wednesday by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, experts highlighted the alarming reality that, despite a governmental action plan released in July 2025, the country is still struggling to effectively address the issue.
The Current Landscape of Cervical Cancer in Canada
Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, articulated the severity of the crisis, revealing that in 2025, approximately 1,650 Canadians were expected to receive a cervical cancer diagnosis, with around 430 fatalities attributed to the disease—an outcome that she described as “avoidable.”
Salvador noted that Canada has historically relied on Pap tests for screening, yet there has been a troubling stagnation in the uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which is proven to prevent many cervical cancer cases. “While advancements in medical technology are being celebrated, we face an alarming outlier,” she stated, emphasising the pressing need for policy reform.
The Need for Change in Screening Practices
The Society of Gynecologic Oncology has recommended a national transition towards HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screening, alongside the implementation of HPV self-collection swabs. This approach aims to simplify the screening process and remove existing barriers that hinder access to care.
Currently, HPV testing can be performed via swabs collecting cells from the cervix or vagina, with the Canadian Cancer Society indicating that self-administered testing is available. By allowing individuals to collect samples at home, these kits can mitigate challenges related to travel, trauma history, or cultural marginalisation, particularly for those in rural and underserved communities.
Dr. Sarah Kean, provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, pointed out that Indigenous women face disproportionately higher rates of cervical cancer, often diagnosed at more advanced stages. She attributed these disparities not to biological factors but to systemic barriers, including limited access to screening resources and the enduring impact of colonial practices. “We must tackle the health gender gap that has persisted for far too long,” Kean asserted.
A Systemic Policy Failure
Dr. Salvador described the current HPV vaccination completion rate of 64 per cent as “far below the target needed for elimination,” framing this statistic not merely as a medical failure but as a significant policy failure. “For years, we have relied on PAP testing, but our policies have not kept pace with advancements in science,” she explained.
The Society of Gynecologic Oncology is advocating for comprehensive HPV screening across Canada, calling for federal legislature to back universal access to primary HPV testing. “This robust HPV screening must extend beyond just updating guidelines; it requires clear national standards that are accessible across all provinces and territories,” Kean emphasised.
Financial Implications and Future Outlook
The financial burden of cervical cancer treatment on Canada’s healthcare system is substantial, with costs estimated to reach CAD 132 million in 2024 alone. Conversely, screening eligible Canadians would incur a cost of CAD 106 million over five years.
Despite a global strategy initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) aimed at eliminating cervical cancer, a report from the Canadian Cancer Society in November 2025 revealed that progress has stagnated. Cervical cancer remains the fourth most diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, with projections indicating that 1,600 Canadian women would be diagnosed in 2024 and 400 would succumb to the disease.
Why it Matters
The rising incidence of cervical cancer in Canada is a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive public health policies that prioritise prevention through vaccination and accessible screening. With a significant portion of the population at risk, particularly among marginalized communities, addressing these disparities is not just a healthcare issue but a moral imperative. As advocates call for immediate action, the future of cervical cancer prevention in Canada hangs in the balance, making it essential for governmental authorities to respond decisively and effectively.
