Cervical Cancer Rates Rising in Canada: Calls for Vaccine & Screening Boost
OTTAWA — Cervical cancer is experiencing a concerning rise in incidence across Canada, even as it remains one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Healthcare advocates and medical professionals are urging increased federal support for screening, prevention, and vaccination efforts to reverse this trend.
The Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, alongside the Coalition for Women’s Health and 19 other organizations, recently held a press conference in Ottawa to call for stronger action from lawmakers. “We have the tools to make cervical cancer the first cancer ever eliminated in Canada. We have the medical expertise. All we need is the political will,” stated Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada.
Canada has established a goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040, aiming for fewer than four cases per 100,000 people. While countries like Australia and Sweden are on track to meet this target, Canada’s current rate is more than double that, and continues to climb, according to Dr. Salvador. “We are failing our sisters, our mothers and our daughters,” added Dr. Sarah Kean, a gynecologist in Winnipeg.
The vast majority – over 90% – of cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus with numerous strains. It’s estimated that approximately 75% of sexually active individuals will contract an HPV infection at some point in their lives. Fortunately, a highly effective vaccine against HPV has been available for years, and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends a single dose for school-aged children.
This vaccine is capable of preventing up to 90% of cancers caused by HPV. A study analyzing data from 14 countries, including Canada, between 2014 and 2018, demonstrated an 83% reduction in the two main cancer-causing HPV types among vaccinated girls.
A recent “white paper” from a federal and provincial advisory committee on cervical cancer underscored the vaccine’s importance, stating, “No other tool is as effective in preventing cancer as the HPV vaccine.”
Achieving Canada’s cervical cancer elimination goal hinges on vaccinating 90% of individuals under 18 by 2025. However, current vaccination rates fall significantly short of this target. National coverage averages around 64%, with considerable provincial variation, ranging from 47% in Ontario to 81% in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec.
Dr. Salvador attributes this shortfall, in part, to widespread misinformation surrounding the vaccine, emphasizing that “Many studies on HPV vaccination show how incredibly safe This proves.”
Provincial policies also play a crucial role. In Manitoba, an “opt-in” system requires parents to actively sign consent forms for their children to receive the HPV vaccine at school, resulting in a vaccination rate of approximately 52%. Conversely, Newfoundland and Labrador, where parents must sign a form to *decline* the vaccine, boasts a coverage rate of 76%.
The report advocates for enhanced support and awareness campaigns to ensure all children are vaccinated through school programs, alongside a catch-up program to provide vaccination access to anyone under 18 who may have missed it during school years. It also proposes publicly funded vaccine access for individuals up to age 45.
The cost of the HPV vaccine is approximately $215 per dose, and a typical adult treatment course requires two doses. Access to the vaccine varies across the country. Quebec currently covers the cost for individuals aged 9 to 20 and recently offered a temporary program extending coverage to those under 45, though this program is set to expire. Other provinces and territories, including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick, cover the vaccine for individuals under 26. Ontario and Manitoba provide coverage for school-aged children and those considered high-risk.
While most commonly linked to cervical cancer, HPV can also cause cancers of the vagina and vulva. In men, it can lead to cancers of the penis, anus, mouth, and throat. The report highlights the increasing incidence of these cancers and advocates for vaccinating boys as well.
Beyond vaccination, improving screening programs is critical. Several provinces, including Quebec, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and British Columbia, have transitioned to using HPV tests as the primary screening method for cervical cancer, replacing the less effective Pap test. Some provinces have also implemented self-testing programs.
“We demand that cervical cancer screening immediately shift to HPV DNA testing nationally and that HPV swabs and self-collection kits be implemented,” Dr. Salvador urged. Self-collection kits offer a convenient and accessible option for individuals in rural or remote areas, those without a regular family doctor, and those with a history of sexual trauma.
Carmen Wyton, president of the Canadian Women’s Health Coalition, is advocating for the passage of Senate Bill S-243, which would establish a national framework to promote, improve, and protect women’s health. Adoption of this bill would standardize access to HPV testing and self-sampling across all provinces and ensure health equity, according to Ms. Wyton.
Health Minister Marjorie Michel indicated during a CBC Radio interview on , that she is collaborating with the Senate on this legislation. Canada has maintained a national strategy on women’s health since the 1990s, but Ms. Wyton noted that “nothing has been done since.”
A spokesperson for Minister Michel stated that Canada has invested $33 million in cervical cancer research in recent years and announced an additional $4 million in funding for two HPV and cervical cancer-related projects on .