The Big Story How will Canada eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 if rates aren't declining?
Nov 19, 2025
Dr. Lucy Gilbert, Director of Gynecologic Oncology at McGill University, shares her insights on cervical cancer challenges in Canada. She discusses the alarming plateau in cervical cancer rates over two decades, emphasizing the importance of switching to HPV screening for better detection. Dr. Gilbert addresses the stigma around testing and the need for comprehensive reproductive health education. She also advocates for empowering nurses in screening roles and highlights the necessity of vaccinating vulnerable populations to meet the 2040 elimination goal.
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Cervical Cancer Is Largely Preventable
- Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable because it has one main cause: HPV infection.
- Vaccination plus early screening can interrupt the long pre-cancer phase and avert invasive treatment.
Screen Early To Preserve Fertility
- Get regular screening because cervical cancer rarely causes symptoms until advanced stages.
- Early detection preserves fertility and avoids major surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
HPV Test Catches Disease Earlier
- HPV testing detects the virus earlier than the Pap test by identifying HPV before precancer develops.
- Earlier detection via HPV testing improves accuracy and prevention opportunities.