Cervical cancer has emerged as the fastest-growing cancer in Canada, prompting urgent calls for government intervention from healthcare professionals. At a recent press conference held by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada in Ottawa, experts highlighted the dire need for a more robust strategy to combat what they termed a “silent national health crisis.” This comes in light of the federal government’s action plan, released in July 2025, which pledged to eradicate cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2040.
A Growing Concern
Dr. Shannon Salvador, the president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, expressed grave concerns regarding the current trajectory of cervical cancer diagnoses and mortality rates. In 2025, approximately 1,650 Canadians were expected to receive a cervical cancer diagnosis, with an estimated 430 fatalities attributed to the disease, which Dr. Salvador insists is largely preventable.
“Canada is currently grappling with a silent national health crisis,” Dr. Salvador stated, highlighting the paradox of medical advancements juxtaposed against rising cervical cancer statistics. She pointed out that Canada has historically depended heavily on Pap testing, yet the uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has stagnated, which is critical for preventing HPV-related cancers.
The HPV Vaccine Gap
Despite initial enthusiasm for the HPV vaccine when it was introduced in the mid-2000s, Canada now faces a significant setback with only 64 per cent of eligible individuals fully vaccinated—well below the threshold required for effective disease elimination. “This statistic is not merely a medical failure; it is a failure of policy,” Dr. Salvador remarked, calling for immediate reforms.
To enhance screening efforts, the Society is advocating for the national adoption of HPV DNA testing and the introduction of self-collection kits. These measures aim to facilitate access to screening, particularly for those facing barriers such as geographical isolation, historical trauma, or systemic inequities in healthcare.
Rethinking Access to Screening
The Canadian Cancer Society has already begun to explore self-administered HPV testing, which involves collecting a small sample from the vagina using a swab. Dr. Salvador noted that such kits could eliminate many barriers, especially for individuals in rural, Indigenous, and underserved communities who often experience significant healthcare disparities.
“Indigenous women, for instance, are diagnosed at higher rates and at more advanced stages, resulting in poorer outcomes,” explained Dr. Sarah Kean, the provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba. “This is not a biological issue; it stems from systemic barriers, lack of resources, and the lingering impacts of colonial practices.”
To achieve meaningful progress, Dr. Kean called for comprehensive HPV screening solutions that are universally accessible across all provinces and territories, backed by federal legislation. “Robust HPV screening must encompass more than just updated guidelines; it requires national standards for access to primary HPV testing,” she insisted.
The Financial Burden of Cervical Cancer
Financially, cervical cancer imposes a hefty burden on the Canadian healthcare system, with treatment costs estimated at $132 million in 2024 alone. In contrast, implementing effective screening for those eligible would cost approximately $106 million over a five-year period. Such statistics highlight the imperative for preventive measures that can reduce both human suffering and healthcare costs.
Globally, cervical cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women. According to a November 2025 report by the Canadian Cancer Society, cervical cancer is the fourth most diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. The report indicated that while cervical cancer rates were declining from 1984 to 2005, progress has since plateaued, with only minimal annual decreases noted.
Why it Matters
The rising incidence of cervical cancer in Canada underscores a critical public health challenge that demands immediate action. With effective vaccination and screening programmes, this disease could be significantly reduced or even eliminated. The call for improved healthcare access, especially for marginalized communities, is not only a moral imperative but also a practical solution to a pressing health crisis. As Canada strives to meet its goals for cervical cancer elimination by 2040, it is essential that policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public unite to create a comprehensive, equitable approach to this preventable disease.
