Cervical cancer is rapidly becoming the most pressing health crisis in Canada, prompting calls for urgent federal action to combat this alarming trend. At a recent press conference in Ottawa, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada highlighted the dire situation, revealing that while the government has initiated a plan to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2040, progress remains painfully slow.
Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the society, emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating, “Canada is currently facing a silent national health crisis.” She noted that an estimated 1,650 Canadians were diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2025, with 430 expected fatalities, numbers that could be significantly reduced through effective prevention strategies.
The Stagnation of Prevention Efforts
Despite advancements in medical technology, Canada’s reliance on traditional Pap testing has not kept pace with the necessary innovations in screening and prevention. The current rate of HPV vaccination completion stands at only 64 per cent, a figure Dr. Salvador labelled as “far below the target needed for elimination.” She stressed that this shortfall represents not merely a medical failure, but a failure of policy.
“We have relied heavily on Pap testing for years,” Dr. Salvador explained. “Our initial enthusiasm for the HPV vaccine, which debuted in Canada in the mid-2000s, has waned. Science has advanced, yet our public health policies have not adapted accordingly.”
A New Approach to Screening
To address these shortcomings, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada is advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of cervical cancer screening protocols. They propose a nationwide shift to HPV DNA testing, coupled with the implementation of self-collection kits. These kits enable individuals to collect samples conveniently at home, thus removing barriers related to access—be it geographical, historical traumas, or systemic marginalisation.
Dr. Sarah Kean, a leading voice on cervical cancer in Manitoba, pointed out the severe disparities faced by Indigenous women, who are diagnosed at higher rates and often with more advanced stages of the disease. “These outcomes are not due to biological factors,” she stated, “but rather to a lack of access to screening resources, geographic isolation, and systemic racism within the healthcare system.”
Legislative Support Needed
The call for robust and accessible HPV screening is not merely a recommendation but a necessity, according to Dr. Kean. “Federal legislation must support universal access to primary HPV testing across all provinces and territories, complete with clear national standards,” she asserted.
With cervical cancer being one of the most preventable forms of cancer, the need for comprehensive screening and vaccination programmes is critical. The financial implications are also significant; treating cervical cancer costs the Canadian healthcare system approximately $132 million annually, while screening eligible individuals would require around $106 million over five years.
A Frustrating Stalemate
Despite the commitment from the World Health Organization to eliminate cervical cancer, Canada’s progress has stagnated. The Canadian Cancer Society’s recent report indicates that cervical cancer remains the fourth most diagnosed cancer and a leading cause of cancer death among females globally. While Canada saw a decrease in cervical cancer rates between 1984 and 2005, the decline has slowed dramatically over the past two decades.
Dr. Kean noted that “all other cancers in our country are decreasing in incidence except for the one that is entirely preventable.” This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for action at both the governmental and societal levels.
Why it Matters
The rising incidence of cervical cancer in Canada represents not just a healthcare failure, but a profound societal issue that affects the most vulnerable populations. By prioritising HPV vaccinations and modernising screening methods, we can significantly reduce preventable deaths and improve health equity across the nation. The call to action from medical experts is clear: it is time for the federal government to respond decisively, ensuring that all Canadians have access to the necessary resources to combat this preventable disease effectively.
