Cervical cancer is rising in Canada as doctors urge action.

At a Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada press conference, doctors said cervical cancer rates are rising and called for a national shift to HPV DNA screening and self-collection; the national HPV vaccine completion rate is reported at 64%.

Doctors from the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada held a press conference in Ottawa to report that cervical cancer rates in Canada are rising and to describe the trend as a serious public health concern. They said many cases are preventable and pointed to a stalled HPV vaccination rate and reliance on older Pap testing methods. The society noted the federal government released an action plan in July 2025 that aims to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2040. The group recommended changes including wider use of HPV DNA screening and availability of at-home self-collection kits. Key facts: - Society officials reported an estimated 1,650 cervical cancer diagnoses and 430 deaths in 2025. - The national HPV vaccine completion rate is reported at 64%. - The Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada recommended an immediate national shift to primary HPV DNA testing and implementation of HPV self-collection swabs and kits. - The federal action plan released in July 2025 sets a goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2040. Summary: The society says rising rates and stalled vaccination uptake are creating challenges for elimination efforts and has recommended immediate changes to screening, including HPV DNA testing and self-collection options. Canada’s federal action plan includes a 2040 elimination target, and the society’s recommendations are presented as measures to help meet that commitment.