2024-25 Annual report

Building momentum to eliminate cervical cancer

Canada is committed to being one of the first countries in the world to eliminate cervical cancer, with a national target to reach this goal by 2040. Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes nearly all cervical cancers and is linked to anal, genital, and certain head and neck cancers, which collectively cost Canada’s health system more than $300 million in 2024 alone, making elimination efforts even more urgent. Success depends on three pillars: HPV immunization, HPV primary screening and timely follow-up care.

In 2024–25, CPAC continued to drive implementation of the Action Plan for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Canada with a focus on partnering with cancer agencies, public health agencies, and First Nations, Inuit and Métis organizations across all provinces and territories to improve their programs and close equity gaps.

Twelve jurisdictions are now advancing HPV primary screening, a method that uses a cervical or vaginal sample to detect high-risk HPV infection. In 2025, Ontario and British Columbia joined Prince Edward Island in providing province-wide HPV primary screening, and Quebec has made HPV tests available in some regions. British Columbia also became the first province this year to offer self-screening, allowing people to collect their own samples and access care without a family doctor. Seven other provinces plan to introduce self-screening soon.

CPAC also engaged with national public health leaders to advance the goals of the action plan. Discussions included sharing updated OncoSim modelling and evidence to support expanding HPV vaccine eligibility and accelerating the adoption of HPV primary screening, including self-collection. Public health leaders agreed that elimination is achievable, with British Columbia and Prince Edward Island setting an example for others to follow.

CPAC advanced equity-driven efforts specific to HPV immunization through multiple initiatives:

• Praxus Health launched a national campaign to promote school-based HPV immunization and implemented tailored outreach activities to raise awareness about HPV vaccination and cervical screening among newcomers and racialized groups, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and others.
• Work completed by the Urban Public Health Network in collaboration with partners provided insights into under-vaccinated populations across seven provinces and territories, as well as with six First Nations, Inuit and Métis governments and organizations. These findings are being used to implement innovative solutions to boost HPV vaccination across seven different projects that are national or regional in scope.
• CPAC worked with the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) to support updated HPV vaccine guidelines that recommend fewer doses for individuals nine to 20 years of age. This change makes vaccination more accessible for young people and helps vaccination programs reach more individuals.

Together, these efforts are accelerating progress toward Canada’s goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040. Modelling estimates indicate that full implementation of HPV primary screening by 2025 and higher HPV immunization coverage by 2026 will prevent 6,810 cervical cancer cases in Canada by 2050, saving 1,750 lives. CPAC continues to support partners across the country to close equity gaps, address First Nations, Inuit and Métis priorities and advance all three pillars of elimination.

The importance of consistent messaging for HPV immunization, Dr. Vivien Brown

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