Cervical cancer rates in Canada have stalled, and the Canadian Cancer Society says New Brunswick must strengthen prevention to meet the 2040 elimination goal.
The warning comes in the society’s latest Canadian Cancer Statistics report, which shows the country may miss its target to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.
The society is calling on provinces and territories to strengthen prevention by making HPV testing the primary screening method and offering self‑administered HPV tests to increase participation.
It also recommends a “once eligible, always eligible” vaccination policy to remove cost barriers for those who missed school‑based programs.
Lana Randell, Advocacy Manager for Atlantic Canada, stated that HPV vaccination rates in New Brunswick are below the 90 per cent level needed to reach the national goal.
She said self‑administered HPV tests, planned for introduction in the province’s health plan by 2026, could help increase participation.
“That’s why we’re encouraging the government to offer the self‑administered HPV test to increase participation … we want that cost barrier removed so that everyone has equal access to it,” Randell said
Randell also pointed to the high cost of HPV vaccination outside school programs.
She said the price can range from $590 to $650, depending on the jurisdiction, which creates a significant barrier for families.
“If the government is covering that and removing that cost barrier, they have easy access to getting the HPV vaccination,” she said.
Randell also added that the approach would allow anyone who missed school‑based programs to receive the vaccine at no cost later in life.
Nationally, the society warns that without stronger vaccination and screening programs, Canada may fall short of its 2040 elimination target.
