Cervical cancer prevention: doctors and health groups call for action as Canada falls behind

Doctors and health organizations told a press conference in Ottawa that Canada’s cervical cancer rate is rising while vaccination and screening coverage lag. A federal advisory white paper and groups urged wider HPV vaccination, a national shift to HPV DNA screening and expanded access.

Doctors, health groups and advocates held a press conference in Ottawa to press for stronger screening, vaccination and prevention measures for cervical cancer. Organizers said cervical cancer is rising in Canada while it remains largely preventable through HPV vaccination and better screening. A federal-provincial advisory committee released a white paper calling for policy changes. Groups said action is needed on vaccine access, screening methods and national coordination. Key reported facts: - Advocates said Canada set a goal to eliminate cervical cancer before 2040 but current rates are more than double the elimination target of fewer than four cases per 100,000. - More than 90% of cervical cancers are reported to be caused by HPV; the vaccine is described as preventing up to 90% of HPV-related cancers and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends a single dose for school-aged children. - National HPV vaccine uptake is reported at about 64% on average, with provincial variation from about 47% in Ontario to about 81% in Nova Scotia, P.E.I. and Quebec; provinces differ in which ages and groups receive public coverage. - The white paper and groups called for a national shift to HPV DNA testing as the primary screening tool, wider use of self-collection kits, catch-up vaccination programs for those under 18 and expanded publicly funded access up to age 45, and they urged passage of Senate Bill S-243 to standardize access. Summary: Advocates and medical groups reported that existing vaccines and screening tools could reduce cervical cancer but that Canada’s current vaccination and screening coverage fall short of elimination goals. They are urging federal and provincial action and the adoption of the white paper’s recommendations, including changes to vaccination programs and screening approaches. Undetermined at this time.