Cervical Cancer in Canada: Why We Must Act Now on HPV Vaccination and Screening
Canada has set an ambitious goal: eliminate cervical cancer by 2040. Medically, this goal is achievable. Practically, we are falling behind.
A new national report presented in Ottawa warns that Canada is not on track to meet its target. Cervical cancer is now one of the fastest-growing cancers in the country — despite being almost entirely preventable.
At Orleans Family Health Clinic (OFHC), this is not just a public health statistic. It is a primary care responsibility.
The Central Cause: Human papillomavirus (HPV)
More than 90% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV, a very common virus transmitted through intimate contact. It is estimated that approximately 75% of people will contract at least one strain of HPV during their lifetime.
Certain high-risk strains are responsible for:
- Cervical cancer
- Vaginal and vulvar cancers
- Anal cancer
- Penile cancer
- Oropharyngeal (mouth and throat) cancers
HPV does not discriminate by gender. Prevention must not either.
The Vaccine: Safe, Effective, Underutilized
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends HPV vaccination for school-aged children, now often as a single-dose schedule in publicly funded programs.
The vaccine:
- Prevents up to 90% of HPV-related cancers
- Has demonstrated an 83% reduction in high-risk HPV strains in vaccinated populations
- Has an extensive, well-established safety record
Yet Canada’s elimination goal depends on 90% vaccination coverage among youth — and current national uptake is approximately 64%.
Coverage varies significantly by province:
- Ontario: ~47%
- Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec: ~81%
Policy design matters. Provinces using “opt-out” school models consistently show higher vaccination rates than “opt-in” systems.
Misinformation remains a major barrier. As primary care providers, we consider it our duty to counter misinformation with evidence-based counselling.
Cost Barriers and Inequity
HPV vaccination access for adults varies widely across provinces:
- Some provinces fund vaccination up to age 26
- Others limit coverage to school-aged children or high-risk groups
- In Quebec, temporary expanded funding up to age 45 is ending soon
Privately, the vaccine costs approximately $215 per dose, and adults generally require two doses.
The report calls for publicly funded access for individuals up to age 45 to improve equity and accelerate elimination efforts.
Screening Is Also Changing
Vaccination alone is not enough. Screening remains critical.
Several provinces are transitioning from the traditional Pap test to HPV DNA testing as the primary screening tool. HPV testing is:
- More sensitive
- Better at detecting high-risk infections earlier
- Capable of being performed through self-collection kits
Self-collection options improve access for:
- Women in rural or remote communities
- Individuals without a family doctor
- Survivors of sexual trauma
- Those facing cultural or logistical barriers
National alignment on HPV DNA testing and self-sampling would reduce interprovincial inequities and improve early detection outcomes.
OFHC’s Position: Prevention Is Primary Care
At Orleans Family Health Clinic, we believe cervical cancer elimination is achievable — but only through coordinated primary care action.
Our role includes:
- Evidence-based HPV vaccine counselling for adolescents and adults
- Addressing vaccine hesitancy respectfully and factually
- Ensuring patients are up to date on cervical cancer screening
- Facilitating appropriate referrals when needed
- Supporting equitable access to preventive care
Prevention is not a slogan. It is a structured, systematic, longitudinal commitment.
Canada has the medical tools to eliminate cervical cancer. What remains is implementation, public trust, and health system alignment.
If you or your child are unsure about HPV vaccination status, or if you are due for cervical cancer screening, contact our clinic to review your preventive care plan.
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