The Canadian Cancer Society warns that more women are being diagnosed with cervical cancer too late for effective treatment
Montreal: The Canadian Cancer Society has some concerning news. Cervical cancer is now the fastest-growing cancer among women in Canada. The good news? It’s preventable if caught early through screening.
Between 2015 and 2019, cervical cancer cases jumped by 3.7% each year. That’s the first significant rise since 1984. It’s alarming, especially since about 1,600 women are expected to be diagnosed annually, with 400 sadly passing away from it.
Dr. Céline Bouchard, a gynecologist, points out that many cases are found too late. She emphasizes that when detected early, it’s easily treatable. It’s frustrating because with proper vaccination and screening, we could nearly wipe out cervical cancer.
This cancer is particularly common among women aged 40-44. Dr. Bouchard notes that it’s the only cancer that can be prevented, unlike others where we can only manage risk factors like smoking.
Late detection also drives up healthcare costs, as treatments like chemotherapy and surgery become necessary. Dr. Bouchard mentions that many women in Quebec lack access to family doctors who can keep track of their screening schedules.
There’s also no registry to remind women when to get screened, unlike breast cancer. For years, gynecologists have been urging the Ministry of Health to create a patient registry and send out reminders. It’s tough for people to remember when they last had a test, especially when it’s every five years.
In May 2022, the Health Minister announced a shift to HPV testing as the primary screening method, which is more accurate than the traditional Pap test. The new test is similar in procedure but offers better detection of high-risk HPV that can lead to cervical cancer.
Currently, only a few regions in Quebec offer the HPV test. Dr. Bouchard is disappointed that the rollout has been slow, as only the least populated areas have made the switch. The goal is to have the HPV test available across all regions by 2026, but delays are due to the need for new equipment.
In short, the rise in cervical cancer cases is a wake-up call. With better screening and awareness, we can make a real difference.
