Cervical cancer is emerging as the most rapidly increasing cancer in Canada, with health experts labelling the situation a “silent national health crisis.” This stark warning was delivered during a press conference held by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada in Ottawa. Despite the federal government’s commitment to eradicate cervical cancer as a public health concern by 2040, professionals in the field argue that immediate and decisive action is necessary to avert further loss of life.
Disturbing Statistics Highlight the Crisis
Dr. Shannon Salvador, the president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, articulated grave concerns during the conference, stating, “Canada is currently serving a silent national health crisis.” Despite advancements in medical technology, she noted an alarming increase in cervical cancer cases. Projections for 2025 indicate that approximately 1,650 Canadians will receive a cervical cancer diagnosis, with 430 expected to succumb to the disease—tragedies that, according to Dr. Salvador, are entirely preventable.
The reliance on traditional Pap testing and the inadequate uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine are contributing factors to this growing issue. The completion rate for the HPV vaccine currently hovers at a mere 64 per cent, which falls short of the target necessary for effective elimination of the disease. Dr. Salvador accurately described this statistic as not just a medical failure but a policy failure as well.
Recommendations for Immediate Change
In light of these challenges, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada is advocating for an “immediate, national shift in HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screening.” This would include the implementation of HPV self-collection kits, designed to simplify the screening process. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, these kits allow individuals to collect samples from the vagina at home, thereby eliminating barriers related to travel, trauma history, cultural marginalisation, and lack of access to healthcare providers.
Dr. Sarah Kean, provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, emphasised that Indigenous women are disproportionately affected, facing higher rates of diagnosis at more advanced stages of the disease. She attributed these disparities not to biological factors but to systemic issues such as geographic isolation, racism within the healthcare system, and socio-economic challenges. “Indigenous women experience worse outcomes,” she said, “due to barriers in access to screening resources and the enduring impacts of colonial practices.”
A Call for Universal Access to Screening
The need for robust and accessible HPV screening across Canada is critical. Dr. Kean insisted that universal access must be supported by federal legislation, stating, “Robust HPV screening must mean more than updating guidelines. It must mean universal access to primary HPV testing across all provinces and territories with clear national standards.”
As the conversation around cervical cancer evolves, it is essential to remember that it remains one of the most preventable cancers. The financial burden on the Canadian healthcare system associated with cervical cancer treatment was estimated at $132 million in 2024, while the cost to screen eligible Canadians over five years would be approximately $106 million. These figures illustrate the pressing need for policy reform and investment in preventative measures.
Global Context and the Road Ahead
Five years after the World Health Organization (WHO) initiated a global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer, the Canadian Cancer Society released a report in November 2025 indicating that progress has stagnated. Cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally. The report estimates that 1,600 Canadian women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2024, with 400 fatalities resulting from the disease. Notably, while the five-year survival rate stands at 74 per cent, the ten-year survival rate drops to 68 per cent, indicating that timely intervention is critical.
Dr. Kean reaffirmed the commitment of both Canada and the WHO to eliminate cervical cancer, highlighting three essential pillars: vaccination, HPV-based DNA screening, and access to treatment. “All other cancers in our country are decreasing in incidence except for the one that is entirely preventable,” she lamented.
Why it Matters
The ongoing cervical cancer crisis in Canada underscores the urgent need for systemic changes in health policy and access to care. With significant disparities affecting marginalized communities, particularly Indigenous women, there is a compelling moral and ethical obligation to act. Implementing comprehensive HPV screening and vaccination programmes could not only save lives but also alleviate the considerable economic burden on the healthcare system. As Canada strives to meet its commitment to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, the time for decisive action is now.
