Cervical cancer has emerged as the “fastest-rising form of cancer” in Canada, prompting urgent concerns from health professionals about a national health crisis. At a press conference held in Ottawa by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, experts emphasised the need for government intervention to combat this preventable disease, despite the federal government’s commitment to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2040.
Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the Society, highlighted the alarming statistics surrounding the disease, stating that in 2025, approximately 1,650 Canadians were diagnosed with cervical cancer, with an estimated 430 fatalities that could have been avoided.
A Stagnant Response to a Growing Threat
Dr. Salvador pointed to Canada’s reliance on traditional Pap tests and a stagnating human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rate as significant contributors to the crisis. Despite initial enthusiasm for the HPV vaccine following its introduction in the mid-2000s, the completion rate has plateaued at a concerning 64%, far below the levels required for effective disease elimination.
“This statistic is not merely a medical failure; it is a policy failure,” asserted Dr. Salvador. The Society now advocates for a national shift towards HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screening, as well as the implementation of HPV self-collection kits to streamline the process for patients.
Improving Accessibility Through Self-Collection
The Canadian Cancer Society has indicated that HPV testing can be performed using a swab to collect cells from either the cervix or the vagina. Self-administered tests, which allow individuals to collect samples from home, are available and can help bridge accessibility gaps.
Dr. Salvador noted that these at-home swabs could address barriers faced by those who may struggle with travel, historical trauma, or lack of access to healthcare providers. This is especially critical for individuals in rural, Indigenous, and underserved communities who have been disproportionately affected by these systemic issues.
Dr. Sarah Kean, provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, further emphasised the disparities in diagnosis and treatment outcomes. “Indigenous women are diagnosed at higher rates, with more advanced disease, and they experience worse outcomes. This is not due to biology; it is due to barriers such as geographic isolation, systemic racism in healthcare, and poverty stemming from colonial practices.”
The Financial Implications of Inaction
The financial burden on Canada’s healthcare system due to cervical cancer is significant. In 2024, the cost of treating this disease was projected to reach CAD 132 million, while screening eligible Canadians would incur an estimated CAD 106 million over five years. As the Canadian Cancer Society’s reports suggest, cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer deaths among women, with over 1,600 diagnoses anticipated in 2024 alone.
Dr. Kean underscored the need for comprehensive and accessible HPV screening across all provinces and territories, stating that “robust HPV screening must mean more than just updating guidelines; it must ensure universal access to primary HPV testing with clear national standards.”
Current Trends and Future Challenges
Despite a global strategy established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to eliminate cervical cancer, recent reports indicate that Canada’s progress has stagnated. Between 1984 and 2005, cervical cancer rates saw a steady decline, but since then, that decline has slowed dramatically, with annual decreases dropping from 2.2% to a mere 0.3% between 2005 and 2021.
Dr. Kean reiterated the importance of a multi-faceted approach to combat this preventable disease, which relies on 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 stated, calling for a renewed commitment from policymakers to address this growing concern.
Why it Matters
The rising incidence of cervical cancer in Canada not only poses a dire threat to public health but also highlights significant gaps in healthcare access and equity. By addressing the barriers to screening and improving vaccination rates, Canada has the opportunity to reverse this troubling trend. Ensuring that all Canadians, particularly those in marginalized communities, have access to effective preventive measures is not just a public health imperative; it is a moral obligation. The time for decisive action is now—every moment wasted risks more lives lost to a largely preventable disease.
