Cervical Cancer Surges in Canada: Doctors Demand Urgent Action

Cervical cancer has emerged as the “fastest-rising form of cancer” in Canada, prompting urgent calls for action from healthcare professionals. During a press conference held in Ottawa, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada highlighted the pressing nature of this issue, which they describe as a “silent national health crisis.” This announcement comes on the heels of the Canadian government’s action plan, released in July 2025, which aims to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2040.

Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, stated, “Canada is currently serving a silent national health crisis.” She emphasized the alarming statistics, noting that in 2025, approximately 1,650 Canadians were diagnosed with cervical cancer, with around 430 expected to die from the disease, which she referred to as “avoidable.” The reliance on traditional Papanicolaou (Pap) testing and insufficient human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates have contributed to this concerning trend.

The national HPV vaccination completion rate currently stands at 64 percent, significantly below the target necessary for effective elimination of cervical cancer. Dr. Salvador remarked, “This statistic is not just a medical failure, it is a policy failure.” In light of these challenges, the Society is advocating for a shift towards HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screening. They also propose implementing HPV self-collection swabs to enhance screening accessibility, particularly for marginalized populations.

Dr. Sarah Kean, the provincial lead for cervical cancer in Manitoba, pointed out the disparities faced by Indigenous women, who experience higher diagnosis rates and worse outcomes. “This is not due to biology,” Kean stated, “It is due to barriers, lack of access to screenings resources, geographic isolation, systemic racism in healthcare, and poverty.” She stressed the necessity for a comprehensive and accessible HPV screening strategy across Canada.

The implications of cervical cancer on the healthcare system are significant. In 2024, the costs associated with treating cervical cancer reached $132 million, while screening eligible Canadians was projected to cost $106 million over five years. According to a report released by the Canadian Cancer Society in November 2025, cervical cancer remains the “fourth most diagnosed cancer and fourth leading cause of cancer death among females worldwide.” The report indicated that an estimated 1,600 females in Canada were diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2024, with 400 fatalities attributed to the disease.

For those diagnosed with cervical cancer, the five-year survival rate is approximately 74 percent, decreasing to 68 percent over ten years. The rate of cervical cancer diagnoses had been declining prior to 2005 but has since stagnated, with annual decreases dropping from 2.2 percent to just 0.3 percent between 2005 and 2021.

As both Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) commit to eliminating cervical cancer, experts emphasize the need for a strategy grounded in three pillars: vaccination, HPV-based DNA screening, and access to treatment. Dr. Kean noted, “All other cancers in our country are decreasing in incidence except for the one that is entirely preventable.”

The urgency of addressing cervical cancer has been underscored by recent high-profile cases. Notably, reality television star Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi recently announced her diagnosis of Stage 1 cervical cancer, identified through a cone biopsy procedure. This revelation serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and the critical need for improved screening measures.

Given the ongoing challenges and the potential for significant public health impact, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada continues to advocate for immediate action. They believe that with the right strategies in place, cervical cancer can become a preventable disease, ultimately saving lives and reducing the burden on the healthcare system.