Canada at risk of missing target to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 say medical, policy experts

Cervical cancer is the fastest increasing cancer among females in Canada, putting the country at risk of missing its target to eliminate the disease by 2040. Faltering vaccination rates, barriers to screening and lack of primary care providers are challenges standing in the way. A Canadian Cancer Society report shows the incidence of cervical cancer rose nearly 4% every year since 2015. Canada set three main targets to stamp out the disease by 2040:

1. By 2025, to have 90% of all 17-year-olds fully vaccinated against human papillomavirus;
2. By 2030, to have 90% of eligible individuals screened with an HPV test and be up to date with screening; and
3. By 2030, to have 90% of people with abnormal results connected with a follow-up plan and to have 90% of those in higher risk groups evaluated using colposcopy.