A national health crisis is unfolding in Canada, with cervical cancer rates rising at an alarming pace. Despite being almost entirely preventable, this type of cancer is the fastest-growing in the country. A coalition of health advocates, including the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada and the Women's Health Coalition, has come together to demand action from the federal government. Their message is clear: we need to prioritize screening, prevention, and vaccination to reverse this worrying trend.
Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, emphasizes the urgency of the situation. Canada has set an ambitious goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, but we're currently lagging behind. Some countries, like Australia and Sweden, are making significant progress towards the target of fewer than four cases per 100,000 population, considered the threshold for elimination. In contrast, Canada's rate is more than double that and rising, painting a dire picture.
The primary culprit behind cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus with multiple strains. Over 90% of cervical cancers are linked to HPV, and it's estimated that 75% of people will experience at least one HPV infection in their lifetime. The good news is that we have a highly effective vaccine for HPV, which has been widely available for years. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends a single dose for school-aged children, and research shows it can prevent up to 90% of cancers caused by the virus.
An advisory committee of federal and provincial experts on cervical cancer has released a comprehensive white paper on the subject. The authors emphasize that no other tool is as effective in preventing cancers as the HPV vaccine. To achieve Canada's goal of eliminating cervical cancer, we must ensure that 90% of children under 18 are vaccinated by 2025. However, current vaccine uptake falls short of this target.
The provinces and territories have HPV vaccination programs for children aged 9 to 13, but research indicates that only around 64% of eligible children receive the shot on average. The report calls for increased support and advocacy to ensure all children are vaccinated through school programs. It also recommends a catch-up program to offer the vaccine to anyone under 18 who missed it in school. Additionally, the paper suggests extending publicly funded access to the vaccine to anyone under 45.
The cost of the vaccine is a significant barrier, with each dose priced at around $215, and adults typically requiring two doses. Access to the vaccine varies across the country. Quebec covers the cost for people aged 9 to 20 and launched a temporary program in October 2024 to offer the vaccine to those up to age 45, but this program is set to end soon. Other provinces, such as B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick, cover the cost for people up to age 26. Ontario and Manitoba provide the vaccine for school-aged children and high-risk groups.
While HPV is most commonly associated with cervical cancer, it can also cause cancer of the vagina and vulva. Additionally, it leads to cancers that affect men, including penile, anal, and mouth and throat cancer. The report highlights that rates of these HPV-caused diseases are rising, and it recommends vaccinating boys as well. The paper further calls for improved early detection and screening programs. Some provinces, like Quebec, Ontario, P.E.I., and B.C., have already adopted HPV tests as the primary cervical cancer screening tool, replacing the less effective Pap test. Self-testing programs have also been implemented in some provinces.
Carmen Wyton, president of the Women's Health Coalition of Canada, urges lawmakers in Ottawa to pass a Senate bill that would establish a national framework to promote, enhance, and protect women's health. Passing this bill could standardize access to HPV testing and self-sampling across provinces, maintaining health equity. The time to act is now, and the health of Canadians depends on it.
