A recent press conference held by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada has highlighted that cervical cancer is now the 'fastest-rising form of cancer' in the country, pointing to a growing health crisis that demands immediate attention from the federal government. Dr. Shannon Salvador, the society's president, remarked on the alarming increases in diagnosis and fatalities associated with cervical cancer, which is often preventable, emphasizing the urgent need for improved public health initiatives. Despite the Canadian government's commitment to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2040, the current situation suggests that more immediate actions are necessary to address this rising concern.

During the press conference, statistics provided revealed that in 2025, approximately 1,650 Canadians were expected to receive a cervical cancer diagnosis, with 430 projected deaths attributed to the disease, underscoring the critical nature of the problem. Experts noted that the reliance on traditional Pap testing in conjunction with low rates of vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) have contributed significantly to this health crisis. This trend indicates that the current measures in place may not be sufficient to adequately protect patients and prevent the disease.

Doctors and healthcare advocates are calling for a nationwide response that includes improved access to HPV vaccinations, increased awareness campaigns, and a reassessment of existing screening protocols. The collective goal is to prevent cervical cancer and to ensure that future generations do not face the same health challenges. The society’s plea for government intervention reflects a broader concern about the public's health priorities and the need for timely action to combat this upward trend in cervical cancer cases.