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. On Wednesday, advocates are gathering in Ottawa to demand the federal government ramp up screening, prevention, and vaccination programs.
The Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, the Women's Health Coalition, and 19 other organizations are hosting a press conference to push lawmakers to address 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, the current reality is starkly different. And this is the part most people miss—while countries like Australia and Sweden are nearing the elimination target of fewer than four cases per 100,000 people, Canada’s rate is more than double that and rising, marking a national health crisis.
The culprit behind over 90% of cervical cancers is the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus with multiple strains. Shockingly, 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 prevents up to 90% of HPV-related cancers, with research from 2014-2018 across 14 countries, including Canada, revealing an 83% reduction in the two main cancer-causing HPV types among vaccinated girls.
A federal-provincial advisory committee has released a 'white paper' emphasizing the vaccine’s unparalleled effectiveness. 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 children receive the vaccine on average. Here’s the bold question—why is access to this life-saving vaccine so uneven across the country?
The report calls for school-based vaccination programs, catch-up initiatives for those under 18 who missed the vaccine, and publicly funded access for individuals under 45. The vaccine costs around $215 per dose, with adults typically needing two doses, creating financial barriers for many. Quebec, for instance, covers the cost for individuals aged 9-20 and recently launched a temporary program for those up to 45, though it’s set to end soon. Other provinces like B.C., Alberta, and New Brunswick cover the cost up to age 26, while Ontario and Manitoba limit coverage to school-aged children and high-risk groups.
HPV isn’t just linked to cervical cancer—it also causes cancers of the vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and mouth/throat. The report notes rising rates of these cancers in both men and women, underscoring the need to vaccinate boys as well. Additionally, provinces like Quebec, Ontario, P.E.I., and B.C. are adopting HPV tests as the primary cervical cancer screening tool, replacing the less-effective Pap test, and some have introduced self-testing programs.
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 could standardize HPV testing and self-sampling across provinces, ensuring health equity. But here’s the debate—is enough being done to prioritize this preventable crisis? What do you think? Should Canada invest more in HPV vaccination and screening programs, or are there other health priorities that deserve greater attention? Let’s discuss in the comments!
