Overview
- The latest Canadian Cancer Statistics report shows a plateau in cervical cancer incidence and mortality overall, with rates rising among women aged 35 to 54.
- An estimated 430 people in Canada are expected to die from cervical cancer in 2025 despite the disease being largely preventable.
- Canada’s goal to fully immunize 90% of 17-year-olds by 2025 remains unmet, with only Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Quebec above 80% and catch-up doses costing about $215 each.
- Provinces are shifting from Pap smears to more accurate HPV testing in Ontario, British Columbia and Prince Edward Island, while British Columbia offers self-collection and similar programs are moving forward in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PEI.
- Globally, WHO marked World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day as Gavi reported reaching 86 million girls with HPV vaccine by end-2025, while outreach in India urged vaccination and early screening.