Here’s a shocking fact: Cervical cancer is the fastest-growing cancer in Canada, yet it’s almost entirely preventable. But here’s where it gets controversial—despite this, Canada is lagging behind other countries in prevention efforts, sparking urgent calls to action from doctors and health groups. Advocates are gathering in Ottawa this Wednesday to demand the federal government ramp up screening, prevention, and vaccination programs before it’s too late.
The Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, the Women’s Health Coalition, and 19 other organizations are hosting a press conference to push lawmakers into addressing this alarming trend. Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, highlighted in a press release that Canada aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040. However, she pointed out, “Countries like Australia and Sweden are already nearing the elimination target of fewer than four cases per 100,000 people, while Canada’s rate is more than double that and climbing—this is a national health crisis.”
And this is the part most people miss: Over 90% of cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus with multiple strains. Shockingly, about 75% of people will contract at least one HPV infection in their lifetime. The good news? A highly effective HPV vaccine has been available for years, and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends a single dose for school-aged children. Studies show it can prevent up to 90% of HPV-related cancers. Research from 2014-2018 across 14 countries, including Canada, found that vaccinated girls saw an 83% reduction in the two most dangerous HPV strains.
A federal-provincial advisory committee has released a “white paper” emphasizing the vaccine’s unparalleled effectiveness. “No other tool comes close to the HPV vaccine in preventing cancers,” the authors stated. Yet, Canada’s goal of vaccinating 90% of children under 18 by 2025 is far from being met. Provinces and territories offer HPV vaccination programs for children aged 9-13, but only about 64% of eligible kids receive the vaccine on average.
The report calls for stronger advocacy and school-based programs to ensure all children are vaccinated, along with a “catch-up” program for anyone under 18 who missed the vaccine. It also suggests publicly funded access to the vaccine for individuals under 45. At $215 per dose (with adults typically needing two doses), access varies widely across the country. Quebec, for instance, covers the cost for those aged 9-20 and recently launched a temporary program for up to age 45, though it’s set to expire soon. Other provinces like B.C., Alberta, and New Brunswick cover the cost up to age 26, while Ontario and Manitoba focus on school-aged children and high-risk groups.
Here’s another eye-opener: HPV doesn’t just cause cervical cancer—it’s also linked to cancers of the vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and mouth/throat. The report notes that these HPV-related diseases are on the rise, emphasizing the need to vaccinate boys as well. Additionally, some provinces like Quebec, Ontario, P.E.I., and B.C. have adopted HPV tests as the primary screening tool over the less-effective Pap test, and self-testing programs are gaining traction.
Carmen Wyton, president of the Women’s Health Coalition of Canada, is urging Ottawa lawmakers to pass a Senate bill creating a national framework to promote and protect women’s health. “This bill could standardize HPV testing and self-sampling across provinces, ensuring health equity,” Wyton said. But the question remains: Will Canada act swiftly enough to meet its 2040 elimination goal?
What do you think? Is Canada doing enough to combat cervical cancer? Should HPV vaccination be mandatory for school-aged children? Or is the focus on access and affordability the bigger issue? Let us know in the comments—this is a conversation we can’t afford to ignore.
