Cervical cancer is rapidly emerging as the most prevalent form of cancer in Canada, prompting urgent calls from health experts for the federal government to intensify its efforts to combat this growing public health crisis. During a press conference held in Ottawa by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, leading medical professionals highlighted alarming statistics and systemic failures that contribute to this troubling trend, despite the government’s commitment to eradicate cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2040.
A Silent Epidemic
Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, expressed grave concern over the rising incidence of cervical cancer, labelling it a “silent national health crisis.” In 2025, it is estimated that 1,650 Canadians will receive a cervical cancer diagnosis, with 430 expected to succumb to the disease. Salvador pointed out that these cases are largely preventable, emphasising the need for enhanced healthcare policies and practices.
The reliance on traditional Pap testing has proven inadequate, and vaccination rates for human papillomavirus (HPV), a key contributor to cervical cancer, remain concerningly low. Currently, only 64 per cent of eligible Canadians have completed the HPV vaccine series, a figure that falls significantly short of the ideal target needed to eliminate the disease.
The Need for Change
Salvador highlighted the stagnation in HPV vaccination uptake as indicative of a broader policy failure. “This statistic is not just a medical failure, it is a policy failure,” she stated, underscoring the urgent need for a national re-evaluation of cervical cancer screening protocols. The Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada is advocating for an immediate shift towards HPV DNA testing, alongside the introduction of self-collection kits, to facilitate easier access to screening.
Self-administered testing allows individuals to collect samples privately, thus removing barriers such as travel difficulties, historical trauma, and systemic inequities in healthcare access. This is particularly crucial for underserved populations, including Indigenous communities, who experience disproportionately high rates of cervical cancer and poorer health outcomes.
Addressing Inequities in Healthcare
Dr. Sarah Kean, provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, spoke to the systemic barriers that contribute to the disparities in cervical cancer outcomes. She highlighted that Indigenous women are often diagnosed at later stages of the disease and face worse prognoses not due to biological factors but rather due to a lack of access to screening resources, geographical isolation, and the enduring impacts of systemic racism in healthcare.
“Robust HPV screening must mean more than updating guidelines,” Kean asserted. “It must entail universal access to primary HPV testing across all provinces and territories, supported by clear national standards.” Such measures are essential to ensure equitable healthcare for all Canadians.
The Financial Burden
The financial implications of cervical cancer are significant. In 2024, the Canadian healthcare system is expected to incur costs of approximately $132 million for the treatment of cervical cancer, while screening eligible Canadians would amount to $106 million over a five-year period. These figures underscore the pressing need for preventive measures that could mitigate both human and economic costs.
Despite the World Health Organization’s global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer, Canada’s progress appears to have stalled. A report from the Canadian Cancer Society indicated that cervical cancer remains the fourth most diagnosed cancer and cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. The projected statistics show a slight decline in incidence rates, from an annual decrease of 2.2 per cent between 1984 and 2005 to a mere 0.3 per cent from 2005 to 2021.
Why it Matters
The rising incidence of cervical cancer in Canada is not just a health issue; it represents a failure of public health policy and an urgent call to action. By addressing the systemic barriers to healthcare access, particularly for marginalised populations, Canada can work towards a future where cervical cancer is no longer a silent crisis. Comprehensive HPV vaccination campaigns, improved screening methods, and equitable healthcare access are critical components in the fight against a disease that is largely preventable. The time to act is now, for the sake of all Canadians and the integrity of the national health system.
