TORONTO — Shannon Pethick, a cervical cancer survivor, is disheartened by the latest Canadian Cancer Statistics report, which indicates that Canada may not achieve its goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040. Reflecting on her diagnosis 15 years ago at age 32, Pethick expressed her disappointment, saying, "It hurts my heart because we should be past this."

The report from the Canadian Cancer Statistics Advisory Committee reveals a troubling plateau in cervical cancer rates, suggesting that the country is moving in the wrong direction. The World Health Organization set a global target in 2018 to reduce cervical cancer cases to fewer than four per 100,000 females. While Canada had seen a decline in rates from 1984 to 2005, the trend has since fluctuated.

According to the report, an estimated 430 Canadians are expected to die from cervical cancer in 2025. Although this number represents a small fraction of the 87,400 total cancer deaths anticipated this year, all of these deaths are preventable. Pethick emphasized the importance of prevention, stating, "There’s no reason for there to be over 400 people dying this year from cervical cancer."

Pethick's own journey with cancer was marked by significant challenges. After delaying a routine Pap test for seven years, she underwent extensive treatment, including two months of radiation and chemotherapy. She is now cancer-free but reflects on the impact of her diagnosis, saying, "Doing all of this and getting this thing out of my body also meant that I was never going to be able to have kids."

The invasive nature of the Pap test deterred her from getting screened earlier. Pethick believes that if HPV self-testing kits had been available at the time, she would have tested sooner. Currently, self-testing is utilized in British Columbia and is considered as accurate as provider-collected tests. Similar initiatives are being developed in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

Jennifer Gillis, director of surveillance at the Canadian Cancer Society, noted that Canada is falling short of its goals due to lower HPV vaccination rates, decreased screening participation, and gaps in follow-up care. She highlighted the potential for change, suggesting a shift from Pap tests to HPV tests and advocating for free HPV vaccines for those who missed them in school. The cost of the vaccine, which is approximately $215 for three doses, poses a barrier for many.

Canada aims to fully immunize 90 percent of 17-year-olds with the HPV vaccine by 2025. However, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer reports that only three provinces—Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Quebec—are achieving vaccination rates above 80 percent. A report from the Federation of Medical Women of Canada revealed that fewer than 20 percent of Canadians have received the HPV vaccine.

Dr. Milena Forte, a member of the federation and a family doctor in Toronto, pointed out that the HPV vaccine has historically had lower uptake compared to other routine vaccines. She stated, "There is still this association or misinformation around the fact that by providing this vaccine you’re somehow condoning any sexual behaviour."

Forte emphasized the importance of the vaccine, saying, "We have a free way to decrease rates of cervical cancer. Everybody should be lining up for this."